Allen C. Fuller to Richard Yates

Cheney House

Sep 7. 1861

Dear Governor: I met Judge Wilson at the cars and intended to have gone home with him, but at his urgent request to stay and see what conclusion you came to in reference to his Regiment, as well as from what you said to me this morning, I changed my mind and am here and expect to remain here at my room until I leave Springfield this evening until better days shall dawn upon us. The reason for this I will state.

In a few moments after the cars left I noticed in the St Louis morning papers that the fight at Shelbina Mo day before yesterday was a shameful failure and that Gen Hurlbut, who was drunk and who was put under arrest by Col Williams, was the cause of it.

I am overwhelmed with grief and mortification. I feel personally disgraced and have no heart to write or speak about it. All I ask is to be allowed quietly to go home in the hope that no man from my county will ever be mentioned to you again in connection with any office of trust or responsibility. This burning disgrace is indeed intolerable. Great God to what awful end are we hastening! The quietude of the grave would be a relief to me could I know that that would be the end of these awful disasters.

As things now stand I do not feel it my duty to accept the appointment which you have tendered me. And yet I feel painfully embarrassed that my name has ever been mentioned in connection with it. As it is known that you had contemplated making the appointment

all I have to request is that you will in some way give me the opportunity to show that I have not applied for the appointment. I may be too sensitive about this matter but a fear that there may be a reflection upon me on account of the disgrace of Hurlbut makes me ask that personal justice may be done me.

I have another request to make and that is though men and devils should object, do not abandon your humane policy of sending to camp and field some one to look after the neglected and suffering soldiers. Ten thousand hearts leaped with joy when it was announced that relief was to be sent to the neglected. Do not, in Gods name I beg of you do not turn that joy to sorrow by failing in this matter to do your duty promptly.

A. C. Fuller

as to Hurlbut &c.

And remember that for every article of comfort - for every moment of considerate attention - for every token of love and affection which you shall send to absent ones, the blessings of the relieved, their fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers & friends shall, like the rains of heaven, be showered upon your head

Judge Wilson informs me that General Freemont most cordially endorses the policy and will most cheerfully co-operate with you, and that he Nelson telegraphed to you yesterday to this effect.

Give my kind regards to Mrs Y. and believe me still, whether in prosperity or adversity - in joy or sorrow

Your sincere Friend

Allen C Fuller

PS I will take any message to Judge Wilson you may wish to send. -