E. A. Paine to Sanford Bell

Monmouth Ill

April 15th 1861

Sanford Bell M.D.

My Dear Doctor

The time has come when Patriots will be called on to act. I am very anxious to raise a Regiment or obtain Command of a Brigade if possible, if any troops are called for. Will you see Gov. Yates and say to him what you know about my service &c. I refer him to Adj't. Genl. Thomas at Washington, or any of the old officers to O. H. Browning A. Williams, Quincy; To C.B. Lawrence Prairie City, Hon Wm Kellogg, Canton; To all of the State officers at Springfield

To all of the Judicial and county officers in this Judicial circuit, To Hon B. F. Wade of Ohio, J. B. Giddings, A. G. Riddle, Ed. Wade, Gen Crowell J. Hutchins, all are or have been members of Congress.

Doctor will you see to it at once. If orders come to raise volunteers, have the Gov. send me orders to raise a Regiment. I can do it in two or three counties here. And depend upon it you shall be the surgeon of the Regiment.

In Haste

E. A. Paine