Thomas Seymour to Richard Yates

Head Qrs Hilton Head Pulaski [ycyc?] January 22, 1864

To His Excellency, The Governor of Illinois:

Sir,

The 37th Regiment of Illinois Volunteers, Colonel T. O Osborne have pre-enlisted as "[Veteran?]" Regiment has been furloughed and will Soon proceed homeward. I cannot permit it to leave my Command without expressing as far as I am able my entire Satisfaction with its Conduct under all Circumstances. It will display to you personally a State of discipline and an excellence of Instruction that will not be diminished by Contrast with the very best of our Volunteer Regiments and you may justly be proud of its past and present efficiency for which Col Osborne a most excellent officer deserves great praise. Your Excellency will I am Sure afford Col Osborne every reasonable facility for filling his Command and you Can entrust the interests of Your Citizen Soldiers to no better hands.

and I am Your Excellency's Very Obedient Servant (Signed) T. Seymour Brig Genl Commanding

Head Qrs Dept South Hilton Head S.C. Jany 23, 1864

I heartily endorse every thing Brig Genl Seymour Says of the 37th Regt Ills Vols and their Commander and hope the Gov of Ills will use his influence to have the Regiment returned to my Command when [recruited?] unless Col Osbourne prefers some other.

(Signed) Q. A. Gillmore Maj Gen Comdg