John Belzer to Richard Yates

Memphis Tenn.

August 11th 1862

Sir,

Mr John R. Lord of Chicago enlisted in Company A Chicago Light Artillery over a year ago as a private. At the time he enlisted he was receiving a salary of fifteen hundred dollars per annum. He is now a corporal in his company.

I respectfully recommend him to you for an appointment as Lieutenant in one of the new batteries of artillery about to be raised in Illinois. He is a gentleman of fine education, will make a good officer and do credit to any position in which you may be pleased to place him. If necessary,

he can procure an endorsement from some of the best and most prominent merchants of Chicago.

I trust that it may be in your power to promote him, as none are more deserving, and I feel assured that a commission could not be bestowed upon a more meritorious soldier.

I have the honor to be, Gov'r

very respectfully

Your obedient servant

John Belzer

To

His Excellency Richard Yates

Governor of Illinois

John Belzer A.D.C.

Memphis

Aug 11/62

Recommends John R Lord of "Co A" Chicago Light Artillery to be a Lieutenant in one of the new batteries