Illinois Officers at New Orleans-Preference for U.S. Senator

A meeting of Officers hailing from the State of Illinois was held at the St Charles Hotel, Jan 6th at 2 O'clock P.M.

Saint Charles Hotel

New Orleans La Jan 6th 1865

Pursuant to agreement, a number of officers from Illinois, met to make a public expression of their preference in the choice of U.S. Senator from the State of Illinois.

On motion, Brig. Gen'l. Elias S. Dennis U.S. Vols was called to the chair. The following officers were elected Vice Presidents

Col. F.J. Starring 72nd Illinois Inft Vols

Col. D.P. Grier 77th " " "

Col. J. McNulta 94th " " "

Col. D. B. Bush 2nd Illinois Cavalry Vols.

Major Chas S. Scammon A.D.C. U.S. Vols was chosen Secretary of the meeting.

It was moved and carried that Colonel Chas E. Lippincott 33rd Illinois Inft Vols., Lieut. Col. A.C. Matthews 99th Illinois Inft Vols and Captain Frank Adams A.A.G. U.S. Army be appointed a committee on resolutions.

After some remarks by several of the officers present, the committee reported the following Preamble and Resolutions which were unanimously adopted

(over)

Whereas: In becoming soldiers of the United States, we have not lost our interest in the welfare of the State of Illinois, or our claim to be considered, in common with our fellow citizens of the State, in the selection of those who shall represent us in the Senate of the United States ---Therefore

Resolved: That the ability, patriotism and energy of the administration of Richard Yates, as Governor of Illinois---his watchful care of the honor and interests of the soldiers from our own State,---his devotion to the preservation of the Union and the suppression of this Rebellion, and all the high qualities he has displayed, in the exalted place he has filled since the outbreak of this war have won for him our sincerest admiration and regard: and

Resolved: That some of us having seen Gov. Yates under fire undaunted on the field of battle at Port Gibson Miss, where the victories were [inaugurated?] which culminated in the Capture of Vicksburg, while we cannot claim him as a Soldier, we know him to be the "Soldier's Friend" and a brave man.

Resolved: That on behalf of the Illinois Soldiers, serving in the Military Division of West Mississippi, knowing that we represent their views, we most earnestly request of the Legislature of our State, that Richard Yates May be elected to the Senatorship from

Illinois, soon to become vacant; that irrespective of sectional or partizan considerations, we regard this honor as justly due to the devoted patriotism and eminent abilities which have characterized his administration of the government of Illinois.

Resolved: That we invite the signatures of all Illinoisans connected with the Army in this vicinity, and of all who have heretofore served as soldiers from the Prairie State.

Resolved: That copies of these resolutions be forwarded officially to the Presiding officers of both houses of the Illinois Legislature, and also furnished for publication to the leading Illinois newspapers, and the daily papers of Saint Louis and New Orleans

Illinois Officers at New Orleans

Preferrence for U S Senator