F. A. Starring to Richard Yates

Personal.

Head Quarters 1st Brig. 1st Div'n. 17th A. C.

Vicksburg. Miss. March 16th. 1864.

His Excellency,

Richard Yates,

Governor of Illinois.

I write to urge the speedy appointment of Lient Elisha Morgan. Jr. whose recommendation I forwarded several days since for Captaincy of Co "R" vice Reid, discharged.

The Company is now without a commissioned Officer serving with it, and greatly needs some one in whom they have confidence.

I have learned that the Ex. Capt. Lieut Colby, with another Officer, have taken a recommendation to have Colby appointed, among the Officers of the Reg't, that quite a number of them signed it, and that one or two Gen'l Officers down here also signed the paper, and that Capt. Reid took the document North with him to present to yourself, or Col. Fuller in person, as a strong claim to appoint Colby, etc.

It was supposed I would not know of this, I presume, and Colby has tried in this manner to get himself appointed; several of the Officers who signed that paper, did so, I have learned, under a misapprehension, and as far as recommendations are concerned, I could have sent one signed by nearly all the Officers and men in the Reg't. Brigade. Divsn, or if necessary, Army Corps. An Officer signs a recommendation in which he feels no particular interest (as a general thing) because he knows the man, or as a matter of courtesy, or because some one brings the recommendation to him and says he is a good fellow.

Where subordinate officers for the first time attempt to carry a point over the head of the Comdg. Officer, if they succeed by help of outsiders or a misapprehension of facts by the appointing power, it tends greatly to weaken the authority of the Comdg. Officer. It does more; it sows the seed of insubordination, and tends to open a pathway for other trials, besides it places the Office appointed those who assisted him, and the Comdg. Officer all in

an embarrassing situation and no lasting or final good results to any one.

As regards the case in question, I most respectfully and earnestly protest against the appointment of Lieut Colby: he has no claims whatever for the position: he has said to me and to other Officers, that he took no interest in his Co. or the service, and by his acts he has proved that he meant what he said.

Co "R" was filled up by the transfer from other companies of men, to enable it to be mustered, and Capt. Reid has no claims whatever for the appointment of his successor.

There has always been much trouble and dissension in the Company and if Colby is appointed, it will tend to make the matter worse.

I desire to have Lieut Morgan appointed Capt. of the Co: it will be for the best interest of the service, the Company and the Reg't. It is the wish of the Company for him to be appointed Captain. He is every way capable, deserving and worthy.

There is a principle involved in this

appointment, as to whether the Executive will support the Comdg Office of a Reg't. in what is just, honorable and right, or whether he will listen to and aid a clique, or allow his Adjt Gen't to do so, in what is unjust and wholly wrong. You Excellency has never been troubled much with the affairs of the Reg't. I have the honor to command, and the decision will, in this case, stop, or increase like or similar occurrences. This was started by an interference referred to in a former letter.

With high regard, I remain You Excellency's Most ob't Serv't.

F. A. Starring.

Col. 72nd Ills Infty.

Comdg.

Private

Starring F. A Col.

Vicksburgh March 16. 64,

Private letter in regard to promotions in his Regiment.

File in this office.