George L. Bergen to Richard Yates

With W.A. Ogden 8/1/62

Illinois State Penitentiary Commissioner's Office. Joliet Aug 4th 1862

Dear Gov Enclosed you find a letter which explains itself. An additional fact or two may serve to convince you of the importance We Republicans attach to the considerations herein named.

A carefully prepared list (prepared by our Township Assesors.) shows that our County has sent about 1800 volunteers to the service. Previous to present enlistments, more than ¾ of whom were Republicans for instance, One Township sent 70 men only 3. were Democrats. Another sent 60, 2 of which only Democrats. And a very large majority of those no enlisting are Repubs.

Our people have put the pressure on the old ex Gov for the express purpose of getting that class of men enlisted,

They are men who will not enlist under Smith or Harding or anyone else, but on the Contrary unless drawn in by

the Gov & his Dem friends will hinder every one else from going they have power to influence.

Further Argument certainly can not be needed.

I hope you will see the importance of giving it your immediate & earnest attention. By forwarding all the requisite Authority &c &c to Gov Wm McMurtry, Henderson, Know Co Ill. At the earliest possible moment, and thereby bring into the Service a Reg of men who can not be secured by any other process, save that of Drafting.

I may say to you that the Author of the enclosed letter is a Merchant of our place & an active earnest Repub.

Yours Truly Geo J. Bergen

Geo J. Bergen Joliet Aug 4/62

County sent 1800 to the War over ¾ of them Republicans & now ex Gov McMurtry is the man to bring out that portion of the “Democrats” no one else can get.

Enclosed a letter from W.A. Ogden.

File Private.