This series contains 109 volumes of correspondence covering the period from 1861-1865, which amounts to approximately 45,000 letters. There is an index (Series 42) to 93 of these volumes. The letters in each volume are grouped by time period (i.e. June-July, 1861), but are not in chronological order. Dates overlap among volumes (i.e. Volume 22 covers the period from December 1861-January 1862, and Volume 23 covers the period from November 1861-January 1862). Frequently, there are two letters on a page. Most volumes are page numbered from the bottom to the top.
        Non-clear tape covers some of the text of certain letters making it impossible to read those portions. In some cases, there are very brief notations on the letters regarding the disposition by the Adjutant General or Governor. For letter responses from the Adjutant General, see Series 146.
        The letters came from throughout Ohio and outside of the state, and were written by county military committees, local officials, military commanders, politicians, recruiters, etc. Taken as a whole, the letters shed considerable light on the difficulties Ohio faced in raising, equipping, and training troops, and maintaining those troops in the field. Following Abraham Lincoln's call for men after the fall of Ft. Sumter, Ohio quickly complied. However, as many of the letters illustrate, Ohio was ill-prepared to deal with the volunteers once she had them. For example, there are references in the letters to the troops being without blankets and clothing, and drilling with wooden sticks because they had no arms. If the troops had arms, they frequently had no ammunition. An examination of the letters also reveals that there was much confusion on the part of recruiters and military commanders regarding their authority and duties. The letters contain numerous requests for clarification of even the most basic of issues such as when a soldier's pay commenced. As some of the letters illustrate, recruiters and county military committees were continually plagued by states bordering Ohio recruiting and hiring substitutes in Ohio without permission.
        The index (Series 42) to 93 of the volumes of correspondence contains a one-line synopsis of each letter. A comparison between the index and the letter books revealed that those synopses checked are accurate as far as they go. The synopses adequately describe many of the routine letters checked. However, more detailed descriptions are needed for the substantive letters checked.
        For those letters included in the index, dates written and received are not noted. The names in the index are usually those of the correspondents, but in a few cases the names are the subject matter of the letters.
        Topics covered in the 93 volumes of correspondence included in the index are many and varied. For example, there are letters pertaining to battles such as First Manassas (Bull Run), Fort Donelson, Murfreesboro (Stones River), Perryville, Pittsburg Landing (Shiloh), and Vicksburg; border defense; camps including Camp Chase, Camp Cleveland, Camp Delaware, Camp Dennison, Camp Mansfield, Camp Steubenville, and Camp Toledo; county military committees; disloyalty; the draft; ethnic companies and regiments; Morgan's Raid; the pay of soldiers; prisoners of war; promotions; recruiting; and subsistence (supplies) for the soldiers.
        An examination of the 93 volumes of correspondence included in the index revealed that the volume numbers were not noted on the letters. Since the bindings of the volumes are to be cut as part of the conservation process, it was decided to record the volume number in pencil on each letter. This numbering process will ensure that the original order of the letters is maintained and preserve the usefulness of the index.
        Conservation work has begun on the letter books in Series 147. After the volumes are taken apart, non-clear tape is removed, the letters are washed and deacidified, and the letters are mended and encapsulated when necessary.

July 29, 1861
Jason Taylor, Sidney, Shelby County, Ohio. To Governor William Dennison. Letter stating that at the urging of many friends in that part of the state and in view of the "lamentable" state of the country, he was requesting a colonel's commission to raise a regiment of infantry including a company of artillery in Shelby and adjoining counties, that he had held military commissions of some sort for thirty-eight years, that he had held a brigadier's command from 1837 to the present, that by courtesy he was entitled to the command of the Ohio volunteers at the opening of the Mexican War, that he was rejected by James K. Polk because he had been an old [Henry] Clay Whig, that the command had gone to another individual who had not applied and who had no military experience, that they expected to raise at least four and perhaps six companies in Shelby County, that some of these companies were already full, and that the men had expressed a desire for him to lead them.
2 pp. [Series 147-3: 18]

August 6, 1861
Jason Taylor, Sidney, Shelby County, Ohio. To Adjutant General C.P. Buckingham. Letter stating that Buckingham apparently did not comprehend the request made to the Governor, that he had not asked for a commission to command a regiment already made up, that his request was for a commission to command a regiment proposed to be made up in Shelby, Logan and surrounding counties, that there were twelve little companies started in Shelby County with some containing over sixty members, that in the event of receiving a commission, he intended to bring these companies together with two companies of returned men from the 15th and 20th Regiments, Ohio Volunteer Infantry (three months' service), and that they also had an artillery company which would soon be filled and whose members wished to be attached to the proposed regiment.
1 p. [Series 147-4: 105]

August 17, 1861
W[ashington] W. Woodward, Lieutenant, Company C, 1st Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry (three months' service), Sidney, Shelby County, Ohio. To Adjutant General C.P. Buckingham. Letter stating that he had received Buckingham's order to raise a company of infantry and would commence work at once, that he would have received Buckingham's order sooner had he not been confined to his room in Sidney for several days with neuralgia brought on by protracted colds caught while in Virginia, that all or most of the officers from the three months' regiments were getting ready for recruiting work and consequently the territory was considerably divided, and that he was not conversant with the laws as to the inducements offered to volunteers in the way of bounties, etc.
1 p. [Series 147-4: 193]

August 30, 1861
Albert Wilson, Sidney, Shelby County, Ohio. To the Adjutant General of Ohio. Letter accepting his appointment as Assistant Surgeon of the 1st Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry; and stating that he would report to Colonel A[lexander] McD[owell] McCook as required.
1 p. [Series 147-6: 10]

September 13, 1861
William B. Cassilly, Lieutenant Colonel, Fremont Guard, Cincinnati, Hamilton County, Ohio. To Governor William Dennison. Letter stating that he had visited Sidney, Ohio to see about some recruits for the Fremont Guard, that upon arriving in Sidney, he was introduced to Captain Kaga who had approximately one hundred men and Captain Fry who had about the same number, that he informed both Captains that the commanding officer of the Fremont Guard would be particular in reference to the competency of the company officers and that if any were found unfit for their position, they could not hold it, that the members of Captain Fry's company consulted together and reported that they considered themselves obligated to the 20th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry and declined to go with the Fremont Guard, that he never saw or spoke to any member of Captain Fry's company thereafter, that Captain Kaga's company did come with him for the Fremont Guard, that his object was not to take companies fully organized, but only a few picked men, that it had not been, nor would it be, his object or desire to interfere with companies belonging to any regiment, and that he had never seduced men away by any unusual preferments.
3 pp. [Series 147-8: 78]

September 17, 1861
J.S. Conklin, Sidney, Shelby County, Ohio. To W.T. Bascom. Letter asking to whom application should be made for reimbursement of expenses incurred in raising companies under General Order Number 70 from the Adjutant General's Department, U.S.A., and if Bascom had any forms or instructions more specific than those in the order as published.
1 p. [Series 147-8: 164]

September 19, 1861
E.B. Holmes, M.D., Sidney, Shelby County, Ohio. To Governor William Dennison. Letter stating that he had learned that Colonel [Hiram] Berdan was authorized to raise an additional regiment of sharpshooters to be composed of a company from each loyal State; asking if Ohio had yet furnished or was forming a company of sharpshooters for Berdan's regiment, and if authority to raise such a company would be given to a western hunter who was not a military man but a good shot; and stating that he wanted a position in which he could be of the most service to his country.
2 pp. [Series 147-8: 166]

September 21, 1861
G.W. Holly, Lockington, Shelby County, Ohio. To Governor William Dennison. Letter stating that he wanted a commission as Captain and an order for raising a company for the war; and asking how he could obtain such a commission and order, and to whom application should be made.
1 p. [Series 147-9: 43]

September 23, 1861
E.B. Lowe, Bellefontaine, Logan County, Ohio. To Governor William Dennison. Letter enclosing recommendations; and stating that for some years, he had been engaged in business which had called him through Logan County, Champaign County, Clark County, Union County, Marion County, Hardin County, Shelby County, Allen County, Auglaize County, Van Wert County, and Wyandot County, that he had formed many pleasant acquaintances in these counties, and that if Dennison conferred the commission of Lieutenant, he was willing to enter upon any service which might be assigned to him either in actual or recruiting service.
1 p. [Series 147-9: 61]

September 25, 1861
Fredrick Schultz, Captain of Artillery, Sidney, Shelby County, Ohio. To Adjutant General C.P. Buckingham. Letter requesting six certificates of transportation by return mail; and stating that he was sending his men to Camp Dennison in squads and it required two certificates each time since he had to transport them over two railroads, and that he already had 60 men in camp and expected to fill up the company in a few days.
1 p. [Series 147-9: 107]

September 28, 1861
S.A. Greer, Woodland, Darke County, Ohio. To Dear Sir. Letter stating that Esquire Kemper of Loramies, Shelby County, Ohio and himself wanted to raise a company of volunteers; requesting the necessary papers to raise said company; and stating that they could have a company in 10 days.
1 p. [Series 147-10: 70]

October 8, 1861
S. Baily Walker, Major, 57th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Sidney, Shelby County, Ohio. To Governor William Dennison. Letter stating that the bearer, John A. Hardy, had received an order from headquarters, Ohio Militia, to enlist a company of men for the three years' service, that said order was dated August 30, that Hardy was to report by September 20, that Hardy reported forty men at the time and his authority was extended, that Hardy now had sixty men and had reported to the headquarters of the 57th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry at Camp Vance, that Hardy now wanted to be commissioned as a Lieutenant per the recent order for recruiting under the supervision of the District Committee, that Hardy was a resident of Shelby County and wanted to fill his company locally, that the County Committee had not commenced its duties, that he therefore recommended the appointment of Hardy to the position sought, that Hardy had seen service in the regular army for a period of five years, and that Hardy was an active and efficient soldier and a man of unblemished character. Bears a note from J.L. Conklin, a member of the District Committee, stating that the County Committee had been appointed on October 5, but was not yet organized, that several members of the County Committee were currently about on duties connected with the election, that Hardy would explain the reason why he could not wait at present, and that he thought Hardy's appointment should be made.
2 pp. [Series 147-11: 175]

October 6, 1861
A.A. Wilson, Lieutenant, commanding Company C, Fremont Rangers, Camp Sturges, St. Louis, Missouri. To Governor William Dennison. Letter stating that he had recruited for a company of infantry at Cincinnati, that they were sent to St. Louis by order of General [John C.] Fremont, that they had been in camp at St.Louis since August 24, that the 29 men he had were all from Ohio and they fully expected to be posted in some Ohio regiment, that instead they were assigned to a cavalry unit known as the Fremont Rangers, that he now had the opportunity of filling his company to the standard level, that his men wanted to be placed in an Ohio regiment, and that he wished to be informed if his command came under Dennison's control.
1 p. [Series 147-12: 55]

October 8, 1861
S[ilas] B. Walker, [Major, 57th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry], Sidney, Shelby County, Ohio. To Assistant Adjutant General R[odney] Mason. Letter stating that he had returned home that day by order of Lieutenant Colonel [William] Mungen to see about the transportation of some men to camp from Sidney, that while at Camp Vance, he learned that in order to fill Captain [Hiram E.] Henderson's company it was very important for Oliver Mungen (a relation of Lieutenant Colonel Mungen) to receive an appointment as 2nd Lieutenant, that currently there was no organization of the County Military Committee, that Oliver Mungen was a man of ability, energy, and unblemished character, and that they thought Henderson's company could be filled immediately by Oliver Mungen's appointment; requesting that Mason secure Oliver Mungen's appointment if possible; asking what was the use of having friends without using them; stating that Judge Palmer had an order to raise 400 men for Sherman's Brigade in the very region of country in which their camp was located and from where they must draw most of their recruits, that there were other orders to recruit at Fremont and other places near them, and that this seriously embarrassed their operations; and asking Mason to see to it that instructions were given that their "Manor" should not be "poached" upon in this way until they at least had an opportunity to fill their ranks.
2 pp. [Series 147-12: 78]

October 9, 1861
J.L. Conklin, Sidney, Shelby County, Ohio. To Assistant Adjutant General R[odney] Mason. Letter stating that he was informed that the member of the District Military Committee for Mercer County, Mr. Davis, had removed to Hancock County, that Davis' uncle, A. Davis, was a good Union man and still lived in Celina, and that Judge William L. Blocker was willing to serve on the committee; recommending Blocker's appointment; and stating that Judge Metcalf, who was in Sidney at court, concurred in the recommendation.
1 p. [Series 147-12: 43]

October 10, 1861
Jno. Canby, Superintendent, Bellefontaine Railroad Line, Bellefontaine, Logan County, Ohio. To Assistant Adjutant General R[odney] Mason. Letter stating that the bearer, A[lvah S.] Skilton, wanted to procure a commission as Lieutenant in the Ohio volunteer service, that Skilton had been in the employ of the Bellefontaine Railroad Line for about seven years as a locomotive engineer, that Skilton was a man of strictly temperate and moral habits, and of good commanding qualities, that Skilton was of the right mettle and well qualified for the situation, and that Skilton's loss was very much regretted by the officers and employees of the Bellefontaine Railroad Line.
1 p. [Series 147-12: 146]

October 10, 1861
John A. Hardy, Lieutenant, 57th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Sidney, Shelby County, Ohio. To Assistant Adjutant General R[odney] Mason. Letter stating that the bearer, Al[vah S.] Skilton, wanted to procure a commission as Lieutenant for the purpose of recruiting in Darke County, Mercer County, and Auglaize County, that he had known Skilton for four years, that Skilton was of excellent moral habits and well qualified to recruit and take command of a company, that Skilton had been selected by Hardy's men for one of their Lieutenants before the new orders changed affairs, and that Skilton had been an engineer on the Bellefontaine Railroad for the past seven years and stood high with the officers and employees of said road.
1 p. [Series 147-12: 141]

October 11, 1861
W.A. Carey, Chairman, et. al., [County Military Committee, Shelby County, Ohio]. To Governor William Dennison. Letter signed by members of the County Military Committee for Shelby County; recommending Albert Stehley for an appointment as 2nd Lieutenant to recruit a German company in Shelby County; and stating that Stehley possessed the requisite qualifications for said appointment.
1 p. [Series 147-13: 111]

October 12, 1861
W[illiam] Mungen, Lieutenant Colonel Commanding, 57th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Camp Vance, Findlay, Hancock County, Ohio. To Assistant Adjutant General R[odney] Mason. Letter stating that he could not make any regular field report that day, that he would try to shape one up on October 13 if possible and daily thereafter, that everything was in "chaos", that no camp or garrison equipments had arrived and the men were beginning to think they would not come, that there were three companies and part of a fourth in camp, that there were three more companies in Hancock County, one company nearly full in Putnam County, one company in Lucas County, one company in Sandusky County, one company in Allen County, one company in Auglaize County and Shelby County, and one or two companies in Mercer County, that he could not call these companies in on account of not being able to accommodate them, that he had 30 days from September 14 to recruit his regiment, and that he would have had the regiment full if camp and garrison equipments could have been obtained; and requesting an extension of time.
2 pp. [Series 147-13: 10]

October 14, 1861
E. Smith, et. al., Military Committee, Sidney, Shelby County, Ohio. To Adjutant General C.P. Buckingham. Letter stating that five companies of men had already been raised in Shelby County under old citizens as officers, that upon the committee's recommendation, one company was now recruiting under Lieutenant Seneca Hale, a Shelby County resident for many years, that their policy had been to have but one company recruited in Shelby County at a time, that Captain John A. Hardy had an order to recruit in Shelby County, Darke County, and Mercer County, but was recruiting entirely in Shelby County, that Hardy was not a citizen of Shelby County, or at least had been in the county only since he commenced recruiting, that they thought Hardy ought to be confined to Mercer County and Darke County, where few recruits had yet been raised, and that it would be difficult to raise the 100 men in Shelby County to fill Hale's company, especially if others were permitted to recruit in the county.
2 pp. [Series 147-13: 175]

October 15, 1861
S[ilas] B. Walker, Major, 57th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Sidney, Shelby County, Ohio. To Assistant Adjutant General R[odney] Mason. Letter stating that recruiting was getting to be harder work than formerly because one was compelled to travel over so large a territory; recommending the appointment of John Doncayson as [Recruiting] Lieutenant for the territory indicated; and stating that the action of [military] committees in the Northwest was very tardy, and that they could not wait for the committees to act.
1 p. [Series 147-13: 113]

October 16, 1861
E. Smith, Chairman, County Military Committee, Sidney, Shelby County, Ohio. To Adjutant General C.P. Buckingham. Letter stating that Seneca Hale was commissioned as a recruiting officer for Shelby County, and his commission was scheduled to expire on October 23, that they were desirous that Hale should have an extension of time as they had no doubt he would be able, with further time, to raise his company, and that Hale delayed attempting to recruit until that week by advice of friends, owing to the fact that other companies were being recruited and it was thought best not to interfere until they were completed.
2 pp. [Series 147-13: 175]

October 5, 1861
J.B. Myers, Bellefontaine, Logan County, Ohio. To Adjutant General C.P. Buckingham. Letter stating that he was getting up a company and proposed to raise 40 men per county in Logan County, Hardin County, Marion County, and Union County, and that if Buckingham thought best, he would take Shelby County in place of Hardin County as they were now raising a regiment in Hardin County; and requesting that a Lieutenancy be given to each of the specified counties either upon a vote of the company or the recommendation of the Military Committee.
1 p. [Series 147-16: 101]

October 15, 1861
Peter J. Sullivan, Colonel Commanding, 48th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Headquarters, Camp Dennison, Hamilton County, Ohio. To Governor William Dennison. Letter requesting the appointment of the Reverend John J. Geer of Clermont County, Ohio as 2nd Lieutenant in the 48th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with power to recruit in Brown County, Clermont County, Shelby County, Madison County, Clark County, and Allen County; and stating that Geer was a regularly ordained minister of the gospel, and a gentleman of fine talents and pious and exemplary habits and character.
1 p. [Series 147-16: 126]

November 7, 1861
Albert Stehley, 2nd Lieutenant, [58th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry], Sidney, Shelby County, Ohio. To Governor William Dennison. Letter stating that he had been sworn in as 2nd Lieutenant to recruit for the 58th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and that he could succeed in raising a company for the 20th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry much easier and in a shorter time than for the 58th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry; and asking if he could be transferred from the 58th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry to the 20th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry.
2 pp. [Series 147-17: 47]

November 14, 1861
Seneca Hale, Sidney, Shelby County, Ohio. To Governor William Dennison. Letter stating that he earnestly desired to be re-commissioned to raise a company of volunteers for the war, that he now had ample means to pay all necessary extra expenses, that there was no doubt he could raise a company as there was no one recruiting in Shelby County except Lieutenant Staley, and he was taking Germans, that if Dennison granted him a commission and gave him Shelby County, Darke County, and Champaign County, he was sure that the company could be raised, that Captain Knox, Lieutenant Powell, and Lieutenant Owens were detailed to assist him, that he wished to be attached to the 83rd Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, that he respectfully referred to his former testimonials in regard to character and standing, that their country called for more men and he was willing to spend his means to procure them, and that if his old commission could be sent with the necessary corrections, it would save him a trip to Columbus.
2 pp. [Series 147-17: 104]

November 14, 1861
E. Smith, William Lee, G.M. Russell, and Jno. H. Mathers, County Military Committee, Sidney, Shelby County, Ohio. To Governor William Dennison. Letter stating that Seneca Hale, who recently resigned his recruiting commission in Shelby County, now wanted it renewed including Shelby County, Mercer County, Darke County, and Champaign County in his district, that Hale felt confident he could now raise a company having ample means to meet the necessary expenses, that Hale was a good and prompt man, and that they cordially and earnestly recommended a renewal of Hale's recruiting commission.
2 pp. [Series 147-17: 104]

November 15, 1861
S[ilas] B. Walker, Major, 57th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Sidney, Shelby County, Ohio. To Assistant Adjutant General R[odney] Mason. Letter stating that he was at Sidney for a short time under orders from his superior officer, that Judge William A. Carey, a member of the Military Committee of Shelby County, wanted the appointment of Quartermaster in some regiment already raised or to be raised in the State, that he had conversed with other members of the committee and they were very desirous that Carey should receive the appointment, that Carey was one of the oldest, most respected, and intelligent local citizens, that Carey was a first class businessman and an ardent friend of the cause, and that Carey was worthy of the post he sought. Together with a note stating that he had written to the Governor regarding the matter of Judge Carey and did not suppose that his personal application would amount to anything.
2 pp. [Series 147-17: 53]

[November 17?, 1861]
Jno. H. Mather, W.W. Skillen, G.M. Russell, and W.A. Carey, Shelby County Military Committee. To ? Letter stating that the committee recommended Edmund E. Nutt for appointment as 2nd Lieutenant to recruit in Shelby County, and that the committee believed Nutt was eminently qualified, given his acquaintance in Shelby County and high moral character, to raise recruits in Shelby County.
1 p. [Series 147-17: 90]

November 15, 1861
B. Stanton, and William Lawrence, Bellefontaine, Logan County, Ohio. To Governor William Dennison, and Adjutant General C.P. Buckingham. Letter stating that Judge William A. Carey of Sidney had been recommended by the Military Committee of Shelby County for an appointment as Quartermaster in one of the Ohio regiments, that Carey was a worthy gentleman, well qualified, honest, capable, and faithful, that Carey was one of the long established citizens of Shelby County, and that Carey was a man of good business habits, excellent character, and reliable.
1 p. [Series 147-18: 40]

November 28, 1861
P[eter] M. Hitchcock, Quartermaster, 20th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Camp King, Kentucky. To Assistant Adjutant General R[odney] Mason. Letter stating that John Manning of Sidney, Shelby County, Ohio, was anxious to recruit for the 20th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and that it would confer a great favor upon the regiment by giving Manning an order to recruit in the counties along the line of the Miami Canal, of which he had been a prominent employee.
1 p. [Series 147-18: 108]

December 4, 1861
William B. Cassilly, Lieutenant Colonel, Benton Cadets, St. Louis, Missouri. To Governor William Dennison. Letter stating that under a commission from General [John C.] Fremont, he recruited some companies in Ohio for the Benton Cadets, that they now had six companies, but not enough men to legally make more than four full companies, that three of these companies were all from Ohio, that they could fill up the six companies at once, that he applied for leave of absence to call on Dennison to arrange for making them an Ohio regiment, that General [Henry] Halleck would not consent to any leave being granted unless there was a written promise from Dennison to make them an Ohio regiment, that since all the officers, but two, and over three hundred of the men were from Ohio, he asked that Dennison consolidate them with some fragments of regiments and make them an Ohio regiment, that the officers would require a new Colonel to be appointed as they would not serve another campaign under Colonel Marshall, that the command was probably the best disciplined battalion in the volunteer service, that as all their officers had been chosen apart from the men they commanded, it enabled them to maintain the same distinction and discipline as in the regular service, and it would ensure the rapid and efficient organization of new troops to be put in with them, and that their companies had not yet been regularly mustered, but there was now an order for it to be done dating back to the time of their organization so that if they were made Ohio troops it could be done at the same time.
3 pp. [Series 147-18: 170]

November 30, 1861
E. Smith, and John H. Mathews, Sidney, Shelby County, Ohio. To William Allen. Letter stating that B.F. Lefevre of Shelby County was induced to raise a company in Shelby County to go in the Fremont Body Guard or as it was afterwards called, the "Benton Cadets", that Lefevre was induced to abandon his law studies, give up a very advantageous position as a teacher, and spend all his time and a great deal of money, which he could ill afford to spare, in recruiting the company, that Lefevre went out to St. Louis and was elected by the company as 1st Lieutenant, that by some means, the company was officered by men from Cincinnati and the wishes of the company entirely ignored, that Lefevre was induced to raise the company under the solemn promise that he should be the 1st Lieutenant, and consequently there had been "base treachery" somewhere, that Lefevre belonged to a highly respectable and influential family in Shelby County and had a great many warm friends who felt "outraged" at his treatment, and that the "Benton Cadet" regiment was now the 83rd Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry and was to be officered by the Governor of Ohio; and requesting Allen to send a letter to the Governor on Lefevre's behalf. Bears a note from Governor William Dennison.
2 pp. [Series 147-19: 184]

December 13, 1861
John H. Mathews, Secretary, [Military Committee of Shelby County], Sidney, Shelby County, Ohio. To Governor William Dennison. Letter calling Dennison's attention to the letter of J.S. Conklin of the District Military Committee, on the subject of the condition of their companies in the Benton Cadets; and endorsing everything in the letter.
1 p. [Series 147-20: 210]

December 16, 1861
William B. Cassilly, Lieutenant Colonel, Benton Cadets, Camp Near Rolla, Missouri. To Adjutant General C.P. Buckingham. Letter stating that they were organized under orders of General [John C.] Fremont to be the infantry body guard, that the men were enlisted in Ohio, with two companies from Sidney, one from Cincinnati, and the balance from throughout the State, that the officers were selected outside of the men for military ability, that before they completed their organization, Fremont took the field and they went with him for that reason, that they did not have their muster in rolls made out or any commissions for the officers, that they intended to have the regiment filled up at the end of the campaign, that it made no difference so long as Fremont was in command as the officers were paid at the end of each month and the men had been paid in part, that now, however, they stood alone, that they had as yet not been mustered, but there was an order from General [Henry] Halleck to have all such troops as theirs mustered in dating back to the proper time, that as the object (Fremont's Guard) of the organization was broken up, the men were anxious to be recognized by their native State, that it was understood that Governor [William] Dennison had already named them the 83rd Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, but as they had never received official notice of it, they could not use it with Halleck, that their object now was to have Dennison write to Halleck claiming the troops for Ohio, that as they had served for four months under the name of Benton Cadets without being mustered in, they would have to be mustered in first as Benton Cadets or get an order issued to cover their issues and drawings for that time and then be made an Ohio regiment, that he had no hesitation in saying they could fill up from the neighborhood of Sidney and Cincinnati as the men now with them had friends enough in those neighborhoods to do so, and that they now had four full companies and half of another which was being recruited and had promises of being filled.
3 pp. [Series 147-20: 190]

December 18, 1861
J.S. Conklin, Sidney, Shelby County, Ohio. To Governor William Dennison. Letter stating that at the request of the Shelby County Military Committee and other leading citizens, he was calling Dennison's attention to the condition of two companies from Shelby County now in Colonel Marshall's regiment in Missouri, that these companies went with the assurances of the recruiting officer (Lieutenant Pond) and Lieutenant Colonel Cassilly that they would compose a part of [John C.] Fremont's infantry bodyguard and that Colonel M[arshall] was not only a competent but desirable officer to serve under, that these companies were accepted by Fremont in the capacity of infantry bodyguards and so treated during his stay in the army, that now there were constant and most urgent appeals from the officers and most reliable men in these companies urging that something be done, if possible, for their relief from what they regarded as intolerable treatment, that they all concurred in saying that M[arshall] was a drunken, cruel, and shockingly profane and coarse man, utterly reckless of the health and comfort of his men, a large portion of whom were already sick and disabled from such neglect and bad treatment, that they begged to be transferred to the 20th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry or some other Ohio regiment not full, that if they must remain, they begged that M[arshall] not be commissioned as Colonel over them, that they would be satisfied with either Lieutenant Colonel Cassilly or Major Loring, and that there was no doubt that their situation was worse than free men or even civilized beings could bear; imploring Dennison to do whatever he could for these suffering and shamefully abused fellow citizens who had cheerfully risked their lives in defense of their country; and stating that several of the company officers, Captain Kaga, Lieutenant Rinehart, and others, had served in Virginia from the beginning of the war.
3 pp. [Series 147-20: 211]

January 2, 1862
S[eneca] Hale, Lieutenant, 83rd Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Sidney, Shelby County, Ohio. To Assistant Adjutant General R[odney] Mason. Letter stating that he had conversed with several of his men in regard to being transferred to the 71st Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry in Camp Tod, Troy, Ohio, that they seemed to be willing, but wished to have the transfer delayed until they knew definitely the final result of mustering out the two companies now in the 83rd Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and that if these companies should be mustered out of service and return home to Shelby County, there would be no difficulty in filling up his company; enclosing the resolution of the Military Committee of Shelby County requesting an extension of his time to fill his company; and stating that he hoped Mason would extend the time in view of the circumstances of the case and give him thirty days.
2 pp. [Series 147-22: 70]

January 4, 1862
S[eneca] Hale, Lieutenant, 83rd Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Sidney, Shelby County, Ohio. To Assistant Adjutant General R[odney] Mason. Letter stating that according to the Cincinnati Gazette, the 83rd Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry had been ordered to rendezvous at Camp Dennison; asking if it was true; and stating that one of his volunteers had been enlisted into the 57th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry by the offer of a Sergeant Major's position which left only 24 men on his rolls, fifteen of which had been sworn and six subsisted, that if the two companies now in the 83rd Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry should be mustered out of service, he thought there would be no difficulty in filling his company, and that in such a case, he was willing to be transferred to the 20th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry or 71st Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry.
1 p. [Series 147-22: 196]

December 10, 1861
Benton Cadets, Camp of Benton Cadets, near Rolla, Missouri. To Major General [Henry] Halleck, Commanding Western Department. Letter unanimously signed by the enlisted men of the Benton Cadets, Major General John C. Fremont's Infantry Body Guard; laying before Halleck their claims which they believed were founded upon justice; and stating that the oath administered to them on entering the service was as Fremont's Infantry Body Guard and nothing else, that they were to be a school of instruction, that with these understandings, they enlisted in their present regiment which otherwise they would not have done as many of them sacrificed positions offered them in other regiments, that their regiment on entering the field consisted of 381 men, but now was reduced to 177, that these men were being divided into five separate companies, that having a required staff for a full regiment, they were consequently incurring needless expense, that having never been regularly mustered into any regiment and while in an unpleasant position, they were not the less loyal to their country, that the majority wished to enlist in regiments of their respective states, that they were from Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri, that they did not ask for their discharge at Springfield when General Fremont was superseded because they were daily expecting a battle and their patriotism would not allow them to falter in the face of an enemy, that they came to do their duty to their country and honor to the name of their General, and that they left it to Halleck to decide whether they had done their duty and fulfilled their obligations, and whether they were entitled to an honorable discharge.
3 pp. [Series 147-21: 200]

December 20, 1861
H. Kelton, Assistant Adjutant General, Headquarters, Department of the Missouri, St. Louis, Missouri. To the Governor of Ohio. Extract of Special Orders, No. 78, stating that the resignation of Captain H. Hazleton, Benton Cadets, was accepted to take effect on December 20, 1861. By order of Major General [Henry] Halleck.
1 p. [Series 147-21: 3]
 

December 26, 1861
Benton Cadets, Camp of Benton Cadets, near Rolla, Missouri. To Governor William Dennison. Letter stating that having understood that the Benton Cadets, General Fremont's Infantry Body Guard, had been ordered to Camp Dennison, Ohio on account of Dennison's approval, they deemed it important to call Dennison's attention to their present unpleasant situation, that their petition and prayers were found in the enclosed communication to General [Henry] Halleck, and that all they asked for was justice.
1 p. [Series 147-21: 200]

January 1, 1862
Crafts J. Wright, Colonel, 13th Regiment, Missouri Volunteers, Benton Barracks, Missouri. To General. Letter stating that he thought it proper to send the consolidated morning report of the regiment, that a number of his companies were from Ohio, that he regretted circumstances prevented organizing his regiment as an Ohio regiment, that such an organization appeared impossible not only on account of the feelings of some of the command but because they were under orders, that the change which took place in the commander in chief brought back many of the army regiments and kept his regiment at Benton Barracks, that although they got all ready to go and were therefore mustered in and commissioned, they had not moved a step, that the time had been very propitious for a preparation and they had used the summer weather continuing to the present day for this purpose, that if the matter could be effected with satisfactory officers, he would not be unwilling yet to break up the organization and units, that they might form a brigade out of the Ohio troops at Benton Barracks and thus supply the State with some credit, that in no brigade and with no Ohio officers over them, they were made to cater for the benefit of other Brigadier Generals being divided up and severed from their legitimate officers, that he would be willing to give up the Major, Surgeon, and the several Missouri and Illinois companies if the interests of the State could be subserved or take the brigade, that the men at Benton Barracks appeared quite good and some companies were efficient, that they were equipped and could fit out about 200 men, and that his health was much improved.
3 pp. [Series 147-22: 86]
 

January 7, 1862
H[enry] W. Halleck, Major General, Headquarters, Department of the Missouri, St. Louis, Missouri. To Governor William Dennison. Letter stating that he supposed the 83rd Ohio referred to in Dennison's telegram was the body mustered in as the Benton Cadets, that a large portion of that corps signed a representation that they had not been sworn in to serve the Government for three years, but simply to act as General [John C.] Fremont's infantry bodyguard and entitled to discharge whenever Fremont ceased to command, that a majority were from Ohio, but some were from other States, that they wished to select their own regiments for future service, that nearly all preferred to be disbanded rather than to be assigned, that under these circumstances, he deemed it more satisfactory to all parties to bring them to St. Louis, muster them out, and pay them off, that he understood from the officer commanding at Benton Barracks that this had already been done, that the men and officers were therefore at liberty to join any existing regiments they might desire, and that he understood a majority of them intended to ask for a reorganization under the Governor of Ohio.
2 pp. [Series 147-22: 153]

January 10, 1862
S[eneca] Hale, Lieutenant, 71st Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Sidney, Shelby County, Ohio. To Assistant Adjutant General R[odney] Mason. Letter stating that he would not be able to send any men to Camp Tod before January 13, as they asked a little time to prepare, that a large number of the two companies from St. Louis arrived at Sidney on January 9, that many of these men expressed a willingness to go into his company, but needed time to visit their friends, that he did not wish to urge them too soon, that five of his men forwarded to St. Louis were mustered out of service, but he could hold them if they returned to Sidney, and that he was left with only nineteen and six subsisted.
1 p. [Series 147-23: 22]

January 10, 1862
William W. Updegraff, Sidney, Shelby County, Ohio. To Adjutant General C.P. Buckingham. Letter introducing the bearer, Lieutenant Rinehart, late of the Benton Cadets; and stating that Rinehart wished to recruit in Shelby County for the 20th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, that as an officer, Rinehart discharged his duties in such a manner as to win the highest commendation from his superior officers and the love and esteem of all his men, and that Rinehart could recruit more men in Shelby County than any other person he knew.
1 p. [Series 147-23: 103]

January 11, 1862
John H. Mathers, Clerk, Shelby County Military Committee, Sidney, Shelby County, Ohio. To Governor David Tod. Letter stating that S[eneca] Hale held a commission as recruiting officer in Shelby County for the 71st Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry and had some men already enlisted, that Hale wished to be transferred to the 20th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry and the Shelby County Military Committee most cordially and earnestly seconded his request, that the committee believed if Hale was transferred to the 20th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, he would be enabled to fill up his company without much further delay because the Benton Cadets, of whom two companies were from Shelby County, being disbanded, were now at Sidney and anxious to go into the 20th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry where the rest of the Shelby County companies now were, that there was a general feeling throughout Shelby County that their boys should be together in the same regiment, that given these views, the committee believed the interest of the service required the change to be made, and that very little recruiting would be done unless the change was made. Bears a note from Adjutant General C.P. Buckingham stating that if Hale could fill his company in two weeks and the men desired to go into the 20th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, they would be transferred, and that Hale was said to have 18 men.
2 pp. [Series 147-24: 34]

January 21, 1862
William B. Cassilly, Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio. To Adjutant General C.P. Buckingham. Letter submitting the names of officers who served in the late Benton Cadet Regiment in Missouri and who were deserving of appointments as Lieutenants in the Ohio volunteers.
1 p. [Series 147-24: 45]

January 21, 1862
R[odney] Mason, Colonel, 71st Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Camp Dave Tod, Troy, Miami County, Ohio. To Adjutant General C.P. Buckingham. Letter requesting that an order for an election be issued in the company recruited by Lieutenant [John W.] Moody; stating that Moody was entitled to promotion as Captain, that one Lieutenant should be elected to assist Moody, that the company was full to the minimum, and that he preferred having the other Lieutenancy remain open as an inducement for obtaining recruits to fill the company to the maximum; requesting that Joel F. Skillen of Sidney be appointed to assist Moody; and stating that Skillen was a good man and could fill the company.
1 p. [Series 147-24: 83]

January 23, 1862
John H. Mathers, Secretary, [Shelby County Military Committee], Sidney, Shelby County, Ohio. To the Adjutant General of Ohio. Letter stating that Captain [Seneca] Hale recruited his men under an understanding with the Adjutant General's Department that if he recruited his men and they desired to be transferred to the 20th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, the Adjutant General's Department would transfer them, that Hale had recruited his number and mainly upon the idea held out by him and others to the effect that they would be assigned to the 20th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, that the greater portion of the Shelby County volunteers were in that regiment, that Hale's men were unanimously and anxiously desirous to go into the 20th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and that the committee respectfully and earnestly desired that they be placed in that regiment.
1 p. [Series 147-24: 40]

January 24, 1862
S[eneca] Hale, Piqua, Miami County, Ohio. To J.H. Hart, Adjutant, 71st Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Letter enclosing a copy of a letter from Adjutant General C.P. Buckingham to Colonel [Rodney] Mason, 71st Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry in which Buckingham states that he found a promise in writing, which he had forgotten, that if Hale could fill his company in two weeks, he should be assigned to the 20th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, that Hale had the 18 men enlisted for the Benton Cadets, that under the promise, these men had enlisted and the company was full, and that if Hale returned the rolls completely, he did not see how he could refuse to fulfill his promise. Bears a P.S. from Hale stating that the Adjutant General handed him the letter in his office and requested him to show it to Mason.
2 pp. [Series 147-24: 74]