Edgar Potter to Richard Yates

Cairo, Ill,

June 10th, 1861

To His Excellency Richard Yates Gov. of Ill.

Dear Sir, I address you in Confidence--believing that we are both working for the same end. that is, for the maintainance of our ever Glorious union, and constitution, for universal Liberty to all mankind, yes all: What is the price. Eternal vigilance is the price of Liberty and the right of self-Government. this is what I have lived for, and fought for, and will still fight for as long as I live, and I hope to teach the same to my Children, and promulgate the same principle to my fellow man on every occasion that offers.

I am a stranger to you but sometimes a stranger may prove more deserving of confidence than an acquaintance. I mean all I say and more to in one sense of the word if you repose a trust in me I will not disappoint you. I may be egotistical I may be selfish. if I could explain to you what I feel I should be glad. I will do my best I wish promotion tis true, but what soldier or man does not. but I wish it as a means to an end to be accomplished. I will not deny that I have a pride as a soldier for my grandfathers fought for our Independence under General Washington. my first lessons as a soldier were under G. W. Morgan. Col of the 2nd Ohio Rgt in Mexico, as a private for one year. at our discharge we organized the regiment over and I went back for during the war and was a sergeant and served untill peace was made. at the breaking out of this rebel war I assisted to raise one Company for 3 months service and one for 3 years at Cairo, and was Elected 1st Lieut and, was Commisioned by your Excellency

Now sir I should like to wear the Eagles a while as a means to an end. the end is this, in confidence. with the assistance of others, I intend to establish an unconditional paper at Cairo this summer or next fall, and devote all my time and energy to the reestablishment of our union, and to its perpetuation. as a resigned Lieutenant. I think I would not have the advantage that I should have as though I had been a Colonel: now if I could have that I would be forever gratefull to you, and and repay you as my Patron. in the best manner you would require as far as I was able. I will do all I can. believe me.

as I understand there are to be three more Regiments organized. if I could have Command of one to be stationed at Cairo, I truly blieve it would greatly aid me in our projected Enterprize of the paper. and some things more besides.

I think I can give you assurance that when I am placed at the post or on other duty that I obey orders I will refer you to my late. Lt. Col. Thos. H. Burghy, as I believe he is at Cairo: for he has often put me on picket and other duties. forgive me for tresspassing on your patience to such length as I have done the best I could under the circumstances.

I understand those three regiments are for three months and if you wished it, or if it would be requisite on account of my connexion with the Paper I would resign in one or two months. your wishes or advice should be my guide in that respect.

Richard Yates, Gov: please answer to Cairo, as soon as convenient

I shall remain yours most Respectfully in any event

Edgar Potter

Edgar Potter, Cairo June 10/02

Very patriotic, and wishes to wear the "Eagles". the man is "crazy" but he further says, that a paper will be started by him at Cairo, and a colonelcy would be of great assitance he wishes to have one of three Regts called for 3 months service. one to be stationed at Cairo. (to protect his paper)

Ans July 14 [illegible]