John Olney to Richard Yates

Mound City Ill. September 7th 1861

His Excellency

Richard Yates

Gov. State of Illinois,

Dr. Sir - Yours of 31st ult. in which you tender to me the position of Lieut. Col. in the Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Cavalry to be raised by Col. Cavanaugh, myself and others, was handed to me in Springfield on the day after its date.

I accept the position, and shall endeavor so to act that you may never regret your kindness to me.

I know but little of what is expected of me and will be much obliged if you will give me full information.

Have any companies been received intended for this Regiment.

To whom shall companies after this report. My design is to go through all the counties in Southern Illinois, and urge the formation of cavalry companies, and unless instructed otherwise shall direct that they report to your Excellency and rendezvous at Springfield

Some authority may be required to transport them at the public expense over Rail roads and down the Ohio River, and possibly for their subsistence after leaving home and prior to

their arrival at the place of rendezvous.

I was informed by Mr Kirkham that Col Cavanaughs Regiment was intended to be stationed for a time on the Bank of the Ohio river to keep the peace between Kentucky and Illinois

I think this eminently wise and that there is at this time a necessity for such a Regt. at Shawneetown or Metropolis. The smouldering fire is ready to burst out in that part of Kentucky opposite Illinois.

Would it be proper for me to have a pass over the Illinois Central from Cairo to Sandoval and over the Ohio & Mississippi R R from Sandoval to Vincennes, I shall travel over those roads several times to get up Companies for the Regiment, and will of course incur a good deal of expense otherwise

I am with many thanks

Yours &c.

John Olney

John Olney

Accepting Lt Colonelcy &c

No answer