John M. Hunter to Richard Yates

Ashley Ill Dec 9th/61

Gov Yates

Sir the Hon Wm Andersen and others have stopped nearly all persons from Joining companies in Jefferson and adjacent counties by telling that they are to have a Regiment, and having understood that no more Regt's of Infantry was to be Raised untill the ones now authorized were full I write you for information and for this Reason that my Battery of Light artillery can be filled in a few days provided no more Regiments are to be Raised at present

Respectfully

John M. Hunter

Lieut of Artillery

Gov Y

John M Hunter

Ashley Dec 8

Lt Art. Compy.

Ansd 12 Dec

I remember that strong encouragement was given Hunter & I think he will raise his company. We must be cautious or we will have too many artillery companies. If he would be satisfied with a Lieutenancy it would be a good thing.

Write him that we given no written authority to any one to raise a Regiment of Infantry, but that the order to accept infantry is not yet countermanted, therefore any one has a right to raise and bring into Camp as many infantry companies as he pleases subject to be consolidated when Govt chooses