W. W. Barrett to Richard Yates

St Louis Mo

Nov. 17. 1861

Dr Sir

I have just received notice from my Col. (C. Knoblesdorff of the 44th Ill. Volunteers) that he had returned my commission as Capt of Co. B. to you in consequence as he said of my refusing to receive & accept the same. I have never refused to receive or accept the commission. I have never seen it & it has never been offered to me. I raised the Company (Co. B.) in Coldwater Mich. where I reside & came with it to Chicago & joined the regiment. The company desire no one else for capt. If the Col. has returned the commission to you please send it to this city to me by express at my expense. I am with respect

Your obt. Servt.

W. W. Barrett

Capt. Co. B. 44th Ill. Vol.

Hon. Gov. Yates

Springfield Ill

Cap W. W. Barrett.

44. Ills. Volunteers.

St. Louis. Nov 7th 61.

Complains that Col. Knoblesdorff had not acted with fairness in the matter of the captain's Commission.