F. Garternicht to Richard Yates

Oquawka Ills June 24, 1861

To his Exelency Gouvernor Yates of Illinois

Springfield Ills

Respected Sire!

Encouraged by frinds

of yours and myn, I addrefs myself to you, and to

beg pardon in advance, if I consume any of your, at

present verry valuable time. I am a militairy man,

served as an officire in one of the German armees for

5 1/2 Years. I consider myself a good drill master in Rifel

and Musket manipulations and fencing with the Bajonet;

I unterstand also the drill with the sword and florett,

I do not profess any great skill in that altough I know

it suficiently to learn it to others. I unterstant military

Tactics as it is tought in the militairy schools in Germany,

in all this and other militairy branches I am willens to pas

examination befor any officier of the armee. I am 34 Years

old and 12 Years in America, as for my privat character, I can

give you all the references this town, where I resit since 9

years can affort. I offer you herby my service, as a drill master

or officier of a Compagnie or in any other militairy branch,

if you have a place for one or I will raise a Compagnie for

the three years servis, if you can give me the assurance, that we

will be exepted as soon as I have the suficient number.

I would have presentet myself to you in person, if not true

reasons would have prevented me. First, I have a family whose

whole suport my dayly work is and have not yet the means to

spent in travels; and second, I do not like to [bore?] you for

a office, so if this offer should not be exepted, I do not

expect a answer from you for I know your time will be

otherwise taiken up. I am at present drilling a Compagnie and was

electet their Captain, they are most all maried men, and good

many dont like to volunteer so my service wont do as much good,

as it would, if I had the power above refert to.

I hope you will excuse my poor english, I have purposely writen

this letter without any aid of my american frinds, for I do

not wish to desieve you, in regard to my qualification in the

english language. I remain

verry respectfully

F. Garternicht

I have been acquainted with Mr F. Garternicht for Seven

years and can attest to his good moral character. He Speaks

the English language fluently, and I believe him to be

a thorough Military Man and admirably qualified to take command of a company.

D.S. Bearce

Druggist Oquawka, Ills

F. Garternicht

asking appointment

answered