John S. [Hunter] to Richard Yates

County Clerks Office

Knoxville Sept 10th 1862

His Excellency

Gov. Richard Yates

Springfield Ills

Dear Sir - Your notice dated Sept 4th, postmarked 6th inst, notifying me that I have been appointed enrolling officer of Knox County, rec'd yesterday Evening. You request me to answer whether I shall accept.

In reply I would say that as County Clerk I have caused to be printed the rolls of this County, returned by assessors, by Townships; and now have these rolls corrected by the supervisors and other competent persons, so that my rolls now Embrace the name of Every Man in the County liable To Military duty; which is all that our State law contemplated. The 3d order from the war department contemplates the addition of the age and occupation of Each man, which I presume to be for the purpose of identification, these items I have not got, Except where two or more men of the same name reside in the same town, where I have the occupation as a means of identification. I have also

of each volunteer enlisted since the commencement of the war, with the date of enlistment, name of company, no. of Regiment, and his present condition if still in the service; if discharged, when and for what cause; if dead, when and where he died, so far as the same can be obtained; together with full rolls of all companies in which Knox County men have volunteered under the late calls (except a few who went to Chicago). Now if from this information I can get up such militia rolls as will be satisfactory (and I know they would embrace more fully the names of the militia, as well as furnish other matter which could only be obtained as I have done, through the offices of each school district) I will accept the position and can furnish the rolls complete in a very short time. But if it is absolutely necessary that the age and occupation should be given, my duties as County Clerk would prevent my giving the necessary time and attention thereto.

I have already some towns revised, and find that there was great necessity therefor, for instance, Cedar returned 159 names, I now have 307. Galesburg returned 727, I now have 1111, after striking off persons on original rolls who proved to be over age. In lists of volunteers I have the names of 158 from Indian Point 161 from Cedar and other towns in proportion. Asking to be excused for the length of this letter, as I wished my position understood, I remain Yours

John S. Winter

PS Whether the appointment is confirmed or not - I shall complete my rolls for County purposes; but should like a reply to this as early as possible

Knox County

John S. Miller

Knoxville Sept 10-62

Says he has full & perfect lists of all men liable to duty from assessors conforming to order 99 with the exception that the age is not specified thereon. Will accept the office of Enrolling Officer, if these lists will be accepted, if not, his time will not permit. -

too late appointment

already made