W. G. Wheaton to Richard Yates

Peoria May 10th 1861

His Excellency Gov Yates

My Dear Governor,

Since the Commen

cement of our War I have been very

anxious to have a hand in the matt

er I immediately wrote to you offer

ing my humble service in allmost

any capacity. I went to Springfield

and saw so much importuning that

I returned home. In this case like all

others a modest man appears the

least likely to succeed. I could bring

to bear any any amount of vouchers

and importunities for place but have

so far refrained from doing so as I

do hate this continual application

troublesome as I know it must be.

I am Extremely anxious to parti

cipate in vindicating our flag.

I wish you would gratify my

desires. You are on the battle

field for [place? peace?]. You are somewhat

acquainted with me and I know

you can find a place I can fill with

profit to my Country and never to

myself. I had [illegible] my plans for the

post of Quarter master to the Regs.

but it was placed in the hands of

one who did not desire it but a very

good selection was made - Could I

not get a berth in an Engineer "Corps"

or in some govt agency, either as

Secret agent or [illegible] Something

to do in this struggle. I have

a Son at Cairo, the orderly of Capt

Dennisons Compy. Please write me

and say my Service is required.

I will furnish you with any recommend

you desire but I do not like to

bring to bear a set of political

[illegible]. I want to succeed on

merit or usefulness and will

try and earn a reputation in what

ever place you may select.

I am Respectfully your

Excellencys Obt Servt

W. G. Wheaton

W. G. Wheaton

For Military appt

ans'd

If you will examine

the [illegible - abbreviation for Constitution?] you will see

I have no patronage

in military matters -

would be glad to

serve you, but

know not how