Certification of Robert F. Winslow

State of Illinois

Executive Department.

Springfield March 10, 1862

I Richd Yates Governor of the State of Illinois do certify that from the best information Col. Robt F. Winslow rendered most effective service in raising some Six or Seven hundred men for a Regiment of which he was by order of the War Department to be the Colonel, and that afterwards in consequence of serious dissensions in the Regiment and the attempted escape of said men to St Louis Mo. in violation of my Proclamation to the contrary, I was compelled to assign them to another Regiment

This operated very much to the injury of Col. Winslow, who I am informed spent much time and

money in recruiting the men. In my judgement he ought to be compensated in full for both. I think the prejudice excited in the minds of the men against Col. Winslow, was much of it undeserved, and that if he had not been interferred with he would have raised a fine Regiment & made a good officer.

Richd. Yates

Governor of Illinois

Preserve this as copy & send the copy you make to “Col R. F. Winslow Washington DC”

soon as possible

copy

Certificate to Col R. F. Winslow

Sent to Washington Mar 11