Henry N. Alden to Richard Yates

Head Qrs. Co "A" 38th Regt I.V.

Doniphan Missouri

April 12th 1862.

Gov. Yates;

Dear Sir, haveing learned through the Columns of the "Journal" that the Convention has provided for Elections to be held in all the Regiments of Illinois Troops, for the adoption or rejection of the new Constitution, - I most respectfully request that you will send me about Fifty copies of the same, if there is any for Public distribution; and further if convenient to you, - please favor me with your views in regard to the same, particularly that part relateing to the apportionment of the State, as I have no Map of the State at hand; this Regiment is undoubtedly Democratic, but not much disposed to draw party lines rather conservative.

The division of South-East Missouri, Comprises the Brigades, the first Brigade Consists of the 38th Regt Ills. Vols. 21st Ills. Vols. 5th Ills. Cav. and the Third Ohio Battery - Col. Wm P. Carlin. Commanding Brigade.

The Second Brigade Consists of 33rd Regt Ills. Vols. 11th Regt Wisconsin. Vols. Co "A" 1st Missouri Lgt Artillery, and Cavalry not yet designated, Col C. E. Hovey, Comdg 2nd Brigade.

Third Brigade consists of 1st Ind. Cav. 9th Ills. Cav. 13th Ills. Cav. Col. Conrad Baker, Comdg 3rd Brigade, The Division Commanded by Genl Steele.

The First Brigade is Commanded on Northeast side of Currant River. They are generally in good health; we have built a ferry for the purpose of crossing Our Troops at this place; the remainder of the Division will join us here, and then move on to Pochahontas, Arkansas; provisions are very scarce, we are troubled to get Enough for the Command, the roads being very bad, and transportation Scarce.

My health Continues very good, Our Men are very much in Need of Clothes; the Country here is thinly settled, and I think the people will Suffer before another harvest; the paymaster is here at present, disburseing funds amongt the Troops; this letter is very broken and disconnected. Make all allowances for the same, direct to Pilot-Knob.

I remain

Very Respectfully

Your Obt Servt

Henry. N. Alden.

Capt Co "A" 38th Regt.

To his Excellency

Govenor of the State of Illinois,

Capt H. A. Alden

38th Regt, Apr 12

New Constitution &c.

Ansd Apr 26

Moses. Send the Doct

Also write Capt Alden a good letter. Plenty clothes here.