Julius Raith to Richard Yates

Head Quarters, Camp Koerner Otterville Mo. December 7 1861

Gov. Richard Yates Comd. in Chief U.S.M. Springfield Ill.

Sir

I understand that in accordance with a late Order from the U.S. War Department parts of Regiments & Companies are to be consolidating for the purpose of making these full [regiments?] at least to bring them up to the minimum standard - desiring my Regiment to fill up soon I would respectfully ask for your assistance - We number, all told, about 710 rank & file & need consequently about 1/2 Companies to bring us up to the minimum standard. If you are consolidating any of the Regts or Companies more at Camp Butler cannot you remember us and give us the requisite number to make us full? You know of what [metal?] my Regiment is composed, all Germans by birth with the exception of our Company of Swedes - can you give us some more of the same calibre. I should deem it an especial favour - I shall endeavor at all times to make my Regiment worthy of the confidence bestowed upon it - We have slept in arms for several nights back on account of the proximity of a rebel camp and their intention to drive the "dutch" from Holland, or rather from Otterville - We are prepared for a brush with them at any time and will give them a most warm reception should they not prefer to have these [illegible] again - We have [illegible] out of Price's quartermaster prisoners on yesterday and keep him in close confinement - our boys are doing well, very few of them in the ----- Hospital and only one of them has died since we left Camp Butler - he died of typhoid fever - Nothing more otherwise - Hoping to hear from you in a favorable reply. I remain, Governor, Your very obedient servant, Julius Raith, Col. 43rd Regt Ill. Vol. Cmdg Post. ----- Col. Julius Raith, File, Col. J. Raith 43 Regt., [illegible] to file [illegible]