James Knox to Richard Yates

Knoxville April 26, '61

My Dr Gov,

It has been Rumored here the Genl Paine of Monmouth might get the post of Brig. Genl. of the Ills troops. Knowing what we do of his Military Education and experience, and his character as a Man this appointment would Suit us, in this Section, well. I have been asked by some of my friends here to Recommend to you and to him, one of our Citizens, John H. Ewing, as one of his Staff, say Aid. Mr. Ewing is now some 30 years of age, comes of Revolutionary stock, has had some military training, has a cool clear head and a powerful physique, and is one of the boldest, and most fearless Riders I ever saw.

I cannot just now think of a man who would be more prompt and Efficient in any Emergency, and more faithful in the discharge of any duty which might be required of him.

His friends would like to get him into a position

where he could be more useful than in the Ranks

Our County has not been so prompt as I hoped in Responding to their Country's call

I understand we have four or five Companies full or nearly so, and although we may have been slow at the start, you may be certain the County of Knox will be sure in the End.

We are delighted with the tone & spirit of your Message and I have no doubt it will meet with a hearty Amen! from Every true Illinoisan. It is clear to my mind that if we would preserve our glorious government we must fight for it. If we would have peace with the Southern traitors, we must Conquer it!

I can fully endorse the Sentiment contained in a Letter from our worthy Minister at Berlin, Gov. Wright of Indiana "I tell you, friend Knox, this idea of a peaceable seperation is all nonsense. We had better fight even to Extermination, than to commit to our children, war, bloodshed & carnage, the inevitable consequences of border feuds, if we are not kept

one people. We cannot be two people---we are one people, or we are nothing."

But I am writing longer than I ought. I know how busy you are. I would not have troubled you if I had known certainly the whereabout of Gen. Paine, to whom perhaps I could more properly write. If he is at Springfield, be so good as to hand to him this Letter

Very truly

Your obdt. Servt. & friend

James Knox

His Excellency

Rich. Yates

Govr. Ills

Knox

Write Paine the substance as to Ewing

Hon James Knox

Recommending J. H. Ewing for military appt

Ansd