Richard Yates to Abraham Lincoln

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July 9th 4.

His Excellency.

Abraham Lincoln

President US.

Washington City D.C

Dear Sir:

I would respectfully recommend and request the appointment of Dr George G. Shumard, Surgeon US. now Medical Director of Kentucky - as Surgeon General of the US. Army.

Dr. S. has been for many years connected with the Army and was Engaged in Scientific Explorations in the Territories as Surgeon and Naturalist & Geologist between 1850 and 1860.

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At the commencement of the War he was a resident of Arkansas and gave to the Union cause his earnest and influential support and was compelled to leave there for his adherence to the Government.

In April 1861 he was appointed Surgeon General of Ohio and contributed largely to the efficiency of the Medical Department of the Army in the Campaigns of 1861 in Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee. Since August 1861 he has held commission of Surgeon of Vols. and has rendered in the various Departments to which he has been assigned the most practical and valuable services. He has had under his charge thousands of our sick and wounded and under his direction

several hundred army surgeons and from some of the most reliable General Officers in the Army of the Ohio & Cumberland I am assured that he has no superior either for requisite qualifications or patriotic sympathy and humane disposition towards the unfortunate sick and wounded of our great Army, in the Country.

I believe he possesses every qualification for the position of Surgeon General of the Army and earnestly hope you will give his claims the most careful consideration and that you will give him the appointment

Very Respectfully

Richd. Yates

Governor