Thomas G. Allen to Richard Yates

Chester. Ill. Sept. 6. 1861.

Dear Governor:

I have had an interview with Mr. Morrison, and he frankly stated, a very considerable proportion of the men he could raise for the proposed regiment would not be willing to enlist with the prospect of having Judge Niles at the head of it; that he himself had some pride for the first place, and did not think Judge Niles would consent to take the second, nor would he (Morrison) feel comfortable as Colonel with the Judge in a subbordinate position; that he liked Niles as a man and believed he would make a brave and efficient officer, &c. &c. I therefore considered it impolitic to attempt any further negotiation with a view of bringing Niles and Morrison to work together. Neither Morrison or Niles can object to my course, and I am very sure the Judge will not have any just cause to complain of your Excellency for the position you have assumed in the premises.

Morrison seems to be very favorable to my holding a commission in his regiment and expressed his entire confidence in my ability, and in the certainty of our agreement.

He also assures me the democrats of his region, and acquaintance, would be well satisfied with me as an officer.

I found Morrison fully alive to a sense of the important duty he has assumed, and I believe he is posse'd of sufficient military knowledge and a will to enable him to acquit himself with credit and contribute much assistance to the Government.

The prospect is very flattering for an early completion of the regiment.

Morrison expressed much good feeling for your Excellency (spoke of the kind manner in which you treated him) and said he did not doubt of being able to agree with you in regard to the other appointments for the regiment. He wished me to say to you, however, he will be greatly obliged to you if you will not come to any definite conclusion in regard to the other officers to be assigned to it until he can have another interview with you in regard to the matter; and he hopes to see your Excellency the first part of next week. His suggestions will then be respectfully submitted. In the meantime we shall both be engaged in pushing on the work in hand.

With much esteem, yours &c

Thos. G Allen

Thos G Allen

Miscellaneus