Adolph Engelmann to Richard Yates

Shiloh, St. Clair County, Illinois January 16th 1865

To his Excellency, Richard Yates.

I have the honor to congratulate you on your election to the United States Senate. The legislature in calling you to that position only conformed to the wishes of the Union loving People, whilst nothing could be more gratifying to the volunteers in the field from this State. On my return to the army in the latter part of December, I learned, that recent orders from the War Department require that all Officers retaining no full command at the expiration of the enlistment of their men, should be mustered out. The 43rd Ill. only retaining a trifle over 700 men (including 400 drafted men recently assigned) I was immediately mustered out to date back of December 16th. Taking a deep interest in our national struggle, I can find no satisfaction in being compelled to stay idly at home, whilst the enemy still has armies in the field to work the overthrow of our Country and our liberties. I regret the move to leave the army, as it was owing mostly to my own personal exertions that 300 of the veterans of my regiment reenlisted, I assuring them all the while that I would not turn my back upon the enemy whilst a single one remained in the field. Having participated in the two wars, previous to the breaking ---- out of the present rebellion, and having now been in the field since October 1861, and for two years past commanding either Brigade or Division, I flatter myself not to have lost these opportunities of qualifying myself to worthily hold the rank of Brigadier General. I have for years past done the duty of Brigadier to the entire satisfaction of my Superiors, and am confident that my services were not without value to the cause of our Country. When I called on you at Springfield, a month ago, you were pleased to inform me, that immediately after your election you would go to Washington, and urge upon the President my claims to the position of Brigadier General, and that you would personally attend to the confirmation of my nomination by the Senate. I write you now on this subject to request your early intercession in my behalf. I feel that duty still calls every able bodied man to the front. I loth to stay at home whilst treason makes her last and most desperate efforts, and whilst my former comrades are earning the brightest laurels. Everything you may be pleased to do in my behalf in this matter will add to the many obligations under which I already am to you, for which you shall ever find me truly grateful. Your most obedient Servant Adolph Engelmann (late Col. 43rd regt. Ill. V) ---- Engelmann Adolphus Late Col. 43rd Ill. Vol. Shiloh St. Clair Co Jan 16th 1865 congratulatory and wants to go into the army if he can get a position