Thomas I. Williams to Allen C. Fuller

Co. "H" ILL (Regular Infy 1st Brig, 2nd Div: [illegible]

Army of Potomac Battle Field of [illegible]

Near White House [illegible]

12th June 1864

Sir:

I have the honor to state that upon the 3 [illegible] [illegible] a communication from the Executive of our state which communication dated "Executive [illegible] Springfield, Ill May 28th 1864". In reply to one from myself seeking a connection as the service of my own state [says?]

"I am sorry that I cannot offer you a [Connection?] [promotions?] are only [illegible] in compliance with Gen Order No 43 (1862/herewith enclosed)."

"I will take pleasure in doing anything for you in my power at any time."

This communication coming as it did from the Governor of my own state and upon the Battle Field [illegible] took me by surprize as it was, so unexpected. But I assure you, in all candor that it was [illegible] and appreciated, notwithstanding it promised me

= nothing more than the good will and assistance of Gov. Yates. "At any time". Our army had for one whole month but constantly fighting, marching & digging trenches. My own Brigade - and I am proud of it - although I say it not in a boastful [illegible] was constantly in the [illegible] upon [illegible] upon the [illegible up to] more than once since the 5th of May if [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] to which it belongs from distractions. [illegible] [illegible] Brigade 1st Div: ([new?] [illegible 2nd Div) 5th [illegible] has indeed immortalized itself upon this campaign. That old Brigade [illegible] [illegible] throughout the United States as "Sykis Brigade aft regulars has achieved a name in this Revolution - if the historian is impartial - that is [imperishable?] and that will be read by [no?] future American [illegible] with pride. [Her?] [deeds?] of suffering, daring and of valor are now immortal as the "Rock of Ages."

I am happy [illegible] [illegible] thrice happy to know and to inform you that a few of the noble sons of Illinois have this honor as they head bravely and unflinchingly. sharing the sacrifices. Although I myself know figured in the early [pack?], of these final battles for the Union in the capacity of Private I have been constantly where I have had the opportunity of seeing what occurred. My [illegible] is to Coles Co. My chosen position upon the [illegible] [illegible] of it which of course placed me immediately, the first [man?]

upon the [illegible] of our [illegible]. As a private I remained with them. As I afterward did when many of our noble [Color?] Guard and shot [illegible] and I was chosen by the Com'ding Officer of my Regiment to take our flaws faithfully, willingly & unflinchingly have I endeavored to keep that post. "Through Evil and Good [reports?]" to [illegible] [illegible] upon the Regiment to which I belong. To vindicate my [bleeding?] and insulted Government and to (above all) gallantly [illegible] my own beloved State - Illinois - Yes! Illinois who has immortalized forever its name in American History for deeds of valor and sacrifice upon the hard fought fields of Donelson, Pittsburgh, [illegible] & Vicksburgh. While I live it will be my highest aim and purpose in whatever situations I am placed to do my whole duty and to [illegible] down every species of cowardice and treachery. So far I have succeeded in doing my whole duty. I lean to others who witnessed my [illegible] in battle to determine. As for myself, I rest in the proud [consciousness?] that I have succeeded and that if I am again blessed with an opportunity to meet [illegible] [illegible]. The memory of slaughtered [comrades?] of who justice of our cause and the fair [illegible] of my [illegible] shall prompt me to still greater deeds of heroism & duty.

In as much as our Governor has given me assurance of his willing aid, I desire to ask of him through you these favors.

In the first place G.O. No 43 permits him to exercise the power of appointing Officers from outside Commands to regular organized Regiments - only to the exclusion of others whose connection with said Command in which there exists a vacancy demands that their interests should be consulted [freely?]. This of course is right and proper and meets my unqualified [appeals?] but what I desire to say is this

In some states there are places - military [illegible] as the demands of the service requires. As for instance [Volunteer?] Aides-de-Camp, Assistant Commissioner of [Subsistence?] and Assistant Quarter Master. My desire would be either Aide-de-Camp Acting Asst Adj Gen or Asst Coms Subs in the capacity where I could be the most useful. I desire that you speak to the Gov for me. I can produce a list of recommendations & bring them with me, both for former services & [currently?] during this campaign.

As I told the Governor in a former communication, I can claim no [illegible] parentage or Aristocratic blood, but my parents were Christians and honest people who taught their children Honesty, [Courage?] and Obedience and above all loyalty to the Government -named by Washington, parented by Davis and which [illegible] with the cooperation of a devoted [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] and will be saved by [illegible] [illegible] and Mr. Lincoln.

If you and the Gov. [illegible] can do anything for me [illegible] I may be of most service to my [illegible] [illegible] I assure you I shall never dishonor it. I can appeal to any man who knows me to sustain the assistance -bring [illegible] of responsible references.

If not, cheerfully will I continue as I began, to be one strong and willing Illinoisan, to [illegible] Gov. [illegible] until [illegible up to] and happy to the home of my childhood - proud in the [reflection?] "I have done my duty."

Very respectfully

Your obt servant

Thos I. Williams, Jr.

Hon. A. C. Fuller

Adj Gen

Springfield, Ill

Co "H" 14th Reg Infy.

Thos I Williams

Near White House [illegible] Va

June 12, 1864

General letter of information concerning his connection with the Brigade - Desires some good position etc.

Ad Gen Office

June 24, 1864

Respectfully [illegible] D Governor Yates for his information. The writer is a stranger to me but "I like his style"

A. C. Fuller

A.G.O. June 24, 1864

ALONG THE SIDE OF LETTER: P.S. Please favor me with a [illegible] reply.