J. J. Lescher to Richard Yates

J. J. Lescher

Physician and Druggist,

Mt. Carmel, Ill.

Drugs, Medicines, Chemicals,

Books and Stationery

Paints, Oils, Glass, etc. etc.

Mount Carmel Ills Novr 15th 1861

Governor Richd Yates

Springfield

Dear Sir.

You may perhaps remember that I called upon you some two weeks since, with a letter from Prof H. A. Johnson M.D. of Chicago, recommending me to some post in the medical department of the army: Expressing a preference for a hospital over that of a regiment, you suggested that I should telegraph to Dr Simmons, Medical Director at Cairo, inquiring whether there was a vacancy in the hospital there; I done so immediately and waited a sufficient time for a reply, but recd none: I then returned home by way of St Louis, and whilst there, addressed a letter to him asking an answer to be addressed to this place, but up to this time, have heard nothing from him. Signifying my intention to enter the army, to some of my friends at Chicago last April, they gave me the following testimonial:

"Chicago April 22nd 1861

The undersigned Physicians & Surgeons of Chicago, understanding that Dr. J. J. Lescher is making application for the office of Surgeon in the U.S. Army, take great pleasure in

recommending him as in every respect eminently qualified for the place. Personally Dr Lescher is a gentleman in every sense of the word ,- professionally, he is inferior to none in the West, in all the requisites for that office."

Signed "Hon H. Byford A.M. M.D. Prof of Obstetrics in Lind University

E. Andrews, A.M. M.D. Prof of Surgery in " "

W. S. Davis, M.D. Prof Practical Med. " " "

John H. Hollister M.D. Prof of Anatomy " " "

H. A. Johnson, M.D. Prof Physiology & Hist. " " "

Ralph N. Isham, M.D. Surgeon to U.S. Marine Hospital."

In going before the Board of Medical Examiners, they granted me a surgeon's Certificate with the grade of No. 2. For the past several years I was much engaged in trade, and during the late presidential canvass, I paid attention to nothing outside of the glorious cause of republicanism, consequently, I had become rusty in the technicalities of my profession, - otherwise, I should have claimed grade No 1 Surgeon: However, Dr Johnson told me that out of near 400 up to the time of my examination, but 16 had passed a better, or higher grade than myself.

With 21 years practice in the Wabash Valley, and the fore-mentioned testimonials, I feel that I am deserving of some consideration at your hands, in the line of my calling. If party labor would add to my claims, I might say that the part which I took in the late canvass gained me an enmity on the part of what may now be called the Order of K. G. C. in this County, to an extent almost demoniac, - endangering my life and my property. I could have avoided reaping this storm of bitterness, but I preferred advocating what I esteemed more worthy than the good will of men whom I despise.

I have well-nigh exhausted my ingenuity in seeking a vacancy in a regiment or hospital. I know not how to find them. I now appeal to you, asking you to assign me a position if it lays in yr power.

Very truly Yrs.

J. J. Lescher

Dr. J. J. Lescher. Mt Carmel Ills

15 Nov. '61

Soliciting some post in the medical department. Said application strongly endorsed.