Richard Yates to Citizens of Illinois

State of Illinois Head Quarters, Commander in Chief Springfield October 23rd 1861

While acknowledging the unity of interest which bind citizens of all loyal States in a common support of the Government a sense of State pride and the duties to be performed for the interests of this Commonwealth lead one to encourage all her patriotic sons who desire to take up arms for the Union, to attach themselves only to the forces of Illinois, and to aid them in this and enable the State to discharge her whole duty to the Federal Government - recruiting within the limits of this State for the military organizations of other States is hereby forbidden, and recruiting officers not representing companies or regiments organizing under orders from these Head Quarters are notified to withdraw immediately. Rich. Yates Governor

Governors Proclamation against recruiting for Companies and Regiments -of- -Other States- October 23rd 1861