Richard Yates to Napoleon B. Buford

State of Illinois

Executive Department.

Springfield Dec. 11th. 1861

Col. Buford

My Dear Sir.

I see by your letter to Adjt. Gen. that you had written me for commissions I have been so very unwell, that I presume it was not laid before me. Otherwise, it should have been promptly answered. I have ordered commissions as requested by you, except in a single case, which I postpone simply that I may submit the case to you, and then I shall be governed by your desires. After I had appointed young Dunlap 1st Lieut of Co.B. at the written request of Capt Hitt & verbal request of Gen. McClernand, I learned that a gentleman by the name of Coppage had been elected by the Company He appears to be a very good man and he and a great many friends

think he was very badly treated not by me but by withholding the facts from me. Now I have to suggest that if the company still desire him, and you have no great preference in the case, that he be appointed. I hope you will mention this to Gen. McClernand who at the time of Lieut Dunlaps appointment, I suppose, knew nothing of Coppages election and was not informed thereof till too late for change. I shall however be governed by your desires in the case.

Glad am I to be able to say to you that your name and the name of your General (McClernand) are often mentioned in connection with the battle of Belmont, and that you have the gratitude of all us for the most heroic conduct. If for no other reason the Battle of Belmont is invaluable as another proud proof that Illinoisans “will fight – No battle yet fought is so calculated to assure rebles that they alone are not gifted with

all the courage vouchsafed to mortals--

I write you in haste. I shall hope to hear from you often. In the future progress of the war, I shall watch your flag anxiously hopefully but confidently. Your Friend

Rich Yates

Copy to Col. Buford Dec 11th 1861