John I. Rinaker to Richard Yates

Vicksburg, Miss

Feby 13th 1865

Hon Richard Yates

Springfield, Ills

Dr Sir

I would most respectfully request your kind office in favor of the promotion and appointment of Lt. John N. McMillan of my regiment. I would like to have him appointed an assistant Commissary of subsistence with the rank of Capt. - Lt. McMillan is a 1st Lt in my regiment, he is a good and worthy officer and an intelligent and honest man Has a good education fitting him for any position requiring intelligence in business. Lt. McMillan is a son of the late Rev Edward McMillan formerly of Nashville - is a nephew of Neal S. Brown former Gov of Tenn - McMillan has always been an ardent Union man - so was his Father - who died near Atlanta GA last summer there for 2 yrs past had been Chaplain of [52nd?] Ills Inftry Vols. Young McMillan was living temporarily in

Lima when the rebellion commenced, and came north and went into our army and has been a gallant soldier, he inlisted as a private soldier in my regiment, was made Sergt Major of my regiment, and after the Battle of Parkers Crossroads where we fought the rebels more than 5 to one and defeated them - he was promoted to his present rank for conspicuous gallantry in that fight - And now I should be very greatly gratified if he could be promoted to the position to which I take pleasure in recommending him - I do this also for the additional reason that the Lt has to such extent been injured in health that he is not now by any means able to stand the fatigues of the march in the capacity of an infantry line officer - Governor if you can do anything for the Lt I shall be in lasting obligations to you for so doing - Vice President Johnson knew McMillan's Father and will give you a very satisfactory account of him while he lived in Lima & Col John Logan can speak of his most excellent character while in his regiment.

I have the hon to be Gov

Very respectfully your obdt servt

John I. Rinaker

Col 122nd Ills Infty Vols