Nathaniel G. Wilcox to Richard Yates

Washington D.C. April 28th 1861

His Excellency Richard Yates

Governor of the State of Illinois:

Dear Sir

Your esteemed favor of the 20th inst. together with your kind letter to President Lincoln have just been received - for all of which permit me to return my warmest thanks. As one good turn deserves another I am about to submit a proposition to you - which possibly you may consider as imprudent on my part - nevertheless I have the vanity or boldness to make it - which is, to solicit your aid and co operation - by way of recommendation of me to the favorable consideration of the President for the appointment of Brigadier General from Illinois in the service of the Government. Now this important appointment is soon to confered upon a citizen of our State (probably through the exercise of your influence) and the question is "who shall be the man"? I am informed that there are several applicants for the post - all no doubt good and true men, and in all probability - younger than myself - and whoever the successful applicant may be - if he is a comparatively young man (like yourself) will, if he is lucky - in imitation of Genl Shields - aspire to the highest seats in the highest councils of the State and nation.

My age, and other weighty reasons, would preclude my aspiring to fill high (political) stations - destined to be filled by yourself and others. I am induced to make this application, relying on my own

merits - and I think I know you well enough to believe that you would not recommend me - unless you thought me worthy.

Others may present superior claims upon yourself, the President and the State. I will, with your permission, state my humble pretentions. I was born on the 22nd day of February 1805 - consequently I am now fifty-six years old, to old to serve in the ranks, but not to old to serve my state and country in an other capacity.

I went to Ills in 1833. I resided for some time in the town of Louisiania Pike Co Mo - and while there received a staff appointment from Govr Boggs - in the service of the state - with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel - a short time before the war broke out in relation to the boundary line between Mo and the then Territory of Iowa, and contributed some little toward the peaceful settlement of that difficulty. - In 1836 I purchased the "old Mill" property on Sugar Creek in Schuyler County - where (with the exception of 4 or 5 years in Minnesota) I have resided ever since. In 1844, I served as a delegate in the Baltimore convention which nominated Mr Clay for the Presidency. In the Spring of 1846, I was offered the Whig nomination for Congress in the 5th district, but declined in favor of our old friend Dr van deventer. - At the State Convention in Peoria (1846) I was waited upon by a committee consisting of Alfred Dutch, Saml A. Clift & others - and solicited to acept of the Whig nomination for Govr - which I declined, - and it was, upon my suggestion that Mr Killpatrick was put in nomination. I, however, afterwards consented that my name might go upon the ticket for Lieut Govr - In 1847, I was the Whig candidate against Richardson for the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Judge Douglas.

I was in Philadelphia at the time of the meeting of the National Whig Convention in 1848. It was found that on the morning of the meeting

of the Convention a vacancy existed in the delegation - and I was elected to fill said vacancy over Hon. A. Lincoln, Dr Rouse of Peoria, John Tilson Esqr of Quincy & others - In 1849, I was appointed by Genl Taylor [illegible] of the Law office at Stillwater Minnesota and reappointed by President Fillmore in 1850. In the fall of the same year I was nominated by a Whig convention of Minnesota as a candidate for delegate to Congress but declined. In the fall of 1852 I was elected a member of the Minnesota legislature and served one year, and in the fall of 1853 returned to my old residence on Sugar Creek.

In 1856 I was a member of of the Republican state convention at

Bloomington and was appointed to the Republican National Convention at Philadelphia - and was the first member thereof to suggest and put in nomination the Hon. A. Lincoln as a candidate for the Vice Presidency

I was a delegate from my county to the Republican State Convention at Decatur in 1860 and was appointed alternate delegate to the Hon O. H. Browning for the state at large - to the national convention at Chicago.

I am now in the service of the U.S. as a high private in the ranks of Genl Jim Lane's company of "Frontier Rangers", raised to guard the Presidents House and the Capital generally: - we have had fine times in drilling and camping in the East Room &c. This will account for my not being with you as a volunteer - in the ranks - if not otherwise. I did not wish to evince a disposition to leave home while danger threatened - before the troops of the North & West came in. They are now coming in and we expect to be discharged by the President in a few days.

Having been honored beyond my merits with civil office and appointments in times of peace, I now respectfully ask to be permitted to serve my country in time of war, - pledging that the revolutionary

blood in my veins - nor the State I offer to serve - shall never be dishonored by me.

Without intending to be tedious, I will close by saying that if you have not already made your recommendation for the appointment in question, and should deem it right to recommend me to the President - I need not add that you can always rely upon me to be your true friend in any event (political or otherwise) which may arise here after.

Will you take the trouble to consult with Senator Dummer of Cass County - who has known me personally for more than twenty years - also with Col. Cyrus Edwards - Ex Gov Wood and others and if deemed best - please let friend Cassell draw up a short letter and have it signed by as many friends of the good cause as you may deem best - and have it forwarded to the President direct as soon as may be convenient.

I suppose that Quincy will not ask for another appointment of Genl - as I learn from J. Grimshaw Esqr that you have appointed Govr Wood quarter master Genl.

Will you be so kind as to ask friend Cassell to drop me line immediately after you decide what (if any) encouragement I may expect, as if nothing offers soon, I desire to return to my family - from whom I have been gone so long, and much desire to see.

Very Truly

Your obliged friend

and obedient servant

Nath'l Greene Wilcox

File

Nathl Greene Wilcox

Washington D.C.

April 28 61

acknowledging the recpt of letter to Presdt Lincoln & returning thanks Soliciting aid & cooperation for the appt of Brig General