2005-03
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/28/2005
CHETLAIN, Augustus (1824-1914) Union brigadier general from Illinois, who recruited and organized Negro troops in Kentucky and Tennessee. Autograph Letter Signed, “A.L. Chetlain” as colonel elect of the 12th Illinois, 2p. quarto, Camp Smith, Smithland, Kentucky, October 1, 1861, addressed to Governor Yates, it reads in most part: “...I take the libert to address you...in relation to matter connected with Major Williams of the 12th Reg. At the close of the three months service it was agreed that elections should be held i nthe reg. for company & field officers. Soon after commencing the 3 years all the companies held elections for officers. It was deemed best to postpone the election of field officers till the reg. should be entirely full. Last week an election for field officers was held as per written agreement. Col. McArthur & myself rec’d every vote cast for Col. & Lieut. Col. Major Williams recd but two votes out of 28 (commissioned officers alone voting). He at once declared that he would not abide by the result, that the election was illegal &c. He however finally agreed to resign, which he has done. He is particularly severe on me, saying that he will ‘smash’ me at Springfield, & ruin me in the northern part of the state, because he alleges I have been the cause of his defeat. I have till lately been a warm friend to the Maj. Latterly his inefficiency has been so glaring, his sprees so numerous, & his treatment of the men of the reg. & his brother officers so ungentlemanly that I have desired for the good of the reg. to get rid of him. Col. McArthur has felt just as I have in regard to the matter. Had not this election taken place & he removed by it I have no doubt he would have been court marshaled by Col. McA....He will try his best to injure me...My position here commanding this important post indicates that I have the confidence of Brig. Gen’s Smith & Paine. I am here with four full companies of our reg. half a co. of artillerists, fortifying this place by planting three heavy siege guns...” Fine.
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