William Barnes to Richard Yates

Jacksonville Sept. 2/61

Gov. Yates,

Dear Sir,

When the war first broke out I wrote to you, tendering my services as Chaplain to one of the regiments. I was then residing in Chandlerville, Cass Co. I have since removed to Jacksonville, for the purpose of sending my children to school.

As you are now organizing regiments for three years service, I again offer my services. I shall not visit the regiments to electioneer nor do I think any man

competent, would do it.

Dr. Brown, or Rev. Mr. Andrus, of Springfield, or Pres. Sturtevant or Prof. Saunders of this place can tell you of me. I am a Congregationalist, have been General Agent for the Am. Tract Society for this state until the war stopped my work. am by no means an Abolitionist - should like to go in McClernand's Brigade as I am acquainted with Col Dunlap, the Quartermaster I used to preach in Alton and know and like the people of Egypt, now rallying so nobly around their country. Hence I wish you would name me to Col. Fouke or Logan.

I am glad you are calling out Democrats and conservative men as well as others. It is having a good effect upon the people. You can do much, I am happy to say are doing much to rally all classes around the flag of our common country. I should like first rate to be connected with the Normal regiment, as Capt Lippincott is my intimate friends as it would be more pleasant and more in accordance with my past habits to preach to intelligent men.

I leave the matter entirely with you and your influence. You are in constant contact with the officers of

the regiments. I should not have written to you again at all, had I not noticed with pleasure your disposition to call around you in common with others, conservative men, of whom I am one. Whether it be a virtue or a vice, I have always enjoyed the sympathy of democrats: not that I have been at all a partisan, but that I have preached the gospel rather than either abolitionism or politics. In the dark and troubled night that is upon us, God grant that we may have a united people.

Very respectfully yours

Wm Barnes

Application for Chaplain

Wm Barnes

Jacksonville

answered