Francis A. Hoffman to Richard Yates

Francis A. Hoffmann,

Lieut. Governor of State.

State Sovereignty Nation Union

State of Illinois

Senate Chambers,

Chicago, June 23rd 1861

My very dear Governor

Such has been the effect of my financial misfortune upon my health, that my physicians would not allow me to leave my country home for a number of days. I am now recovering, - I know, I have your sympathy, - I know that sympathy to be true and genuine. God bless you, dear Governor!

During my absence from the City, the "Hoffmann Dragoons", in whom I continue to take much interest, refused to be sworn into the U. S. service. The main point seems to have been that they were apprehensive of being ordered to Virginia, immediately before receiving their pay, while they were in debt for their board &c.

It may be that they did not act quite as discretely as I could have desired, yet they are a noble set of brave and fine fellows and they are anxious to go, whereever and whenever you may send them, and I sincerely trust, that no obstacle will be thrown in their way now that they are ready, to be sworn into the U. S. Service for 3 or 10 or 20 years. I am proud of my Dragoons and I know, that for my sake you will do all in your power to advance their interests. The country must not be deprived of their services. Some of the officers of my Dragoons will call upon you, please assist them in all they may reasonable desire and once more oblige, as you have often done, your

devoted friend

Hoffmann

F. A. Hoffman

In regard to Hoffmanns Dragoons