Gustave Koerner to Richard Yates

Belleville January 31. 1862

Gov. R. Yates

Dear Sir

Yours of 29th received and I am very much obliged to you for your kind invitation. The condition of my distressed family however, as well as my own is still such that nothing but the most necessary business could induce me to leave home.

It is my misfortune to receive a great many applications from friends and acquaintances for my interposition with you, the President, and almost any other person, who has patronage. Many I refuse, some I must attend to, as for instance one of Captain Abbots, a fellow lawyer, and an original Republican, who has been so very seriously wounded at Belmont. I enclose you his letter, and his claim appears to me to be well founded.

As to Col. Ramming, I felt no personal interest. I have seen him but once or twice,, and I recommended him as Colonel in the Hecker Regiment, before he knew it. I only know him to be an able and accomplished officer, who as he is from Chicago, and has been Adjutant in the Regiment. I thought was an appointment for the good of the Regiment.

I was aware that a compromise list had been submitted, as to supplying the officer, who had resigned, but that was when Hecker was still

Colonel; of course there could be no compromise about filling his place; and when last in Springfield on the 9 or 10th of this month Judge Fuller voluntarily advised with me about filling Heckers place, and I then mentioned Col. Ramming. But perhaps the appointment you have made, may be equally satisfactory, though I am certain that if it be one suggested by the Lt Gov it will be condemned, no matter who it is. He is just now so exceedingly unpopular amongst the Germans, not only on account of his very unfortunate failure, but principally because he tried to [screen?] himself against [suits?], by pleading his consular dignity, that every thing he touches turns to ashes.

Our Belleville People are suffering heavily on account of getting no pay for what they furnished the troops here. The Democrats are making a great deal of capital out of it. They would take [bonds?] at 85. Something ought to be done for them. We are moderately poor here, and very patriotic, and the report is, that our folks have been postponed unjustly and rich contractors have been preferred. This is the Democratic version.

Yours very truly

G Koerner

Gov. G. Koerner

Belleville Jany 31

Relating to Promotion of capt. Abbott-- appt. of Col Rammig – indebtedness of the Belleville folks

(Enter & file)

(Ansd – as to State Bonds)