e upon my individual
credit, receiving in payment government securities. I pledge you
my reputation and all I am worth to accomplish what I offer.

"If it is objected that my operation will interfere with state
enlistments, I will agree to subordinate my movements to the orders
of the governor, but for the good of the service I hope to be left
as free as possible. In the selection of officers I should want
to be especially consulted, so as to insure the honor, probity and
personal habits of such officers. Further than this I have no
choice.

"If this meets your approbation promptly say so to General Cameron,
and let him set me to work.

"Very truly yours,
"John Sherman."

About the same time I had arranged with Governor Dennison for a
plan of enlistment which enabled the recruits to select their
officers, by allowing persons securing a certain number of recruits
to be captains, a less number first lieutenants, and a less number
second lieutenants. The governor very kindly agreed that he would
commission the persons selected in this way, leaving the regimental
organization to be composed of the best material that could be
found anywhere. On the 28th of September I issued and distributed,
mainly in the region near the line of the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne &
Chicago railroad, this circular:

"TO THE YOUNG MEN OF OHIO.

"I am authorized by the governor of Ohio to raise at once two
regiments of infantry and a battery of artillery, and a squadron
of cavalry.

"I am also authorized to recommend one lieutenant for each company,
who shall at once receive their commissions and be furnished with
proper facilities for enlisting. I am now ready to receive
applications for such appointments, accompanied with evidence of
good habits and character, the age of applicant, and his fitness
and ability to recruit a company.

"Major Wm. McLaughlin will command the squadron of cavalry.

"The company officers will be designated by the soldiers of each
company, subject to the approval of the governor.

"The field officers are not yet designated, but shall be men of
experience, and, if possible, of military education.

"The soldiers shall have, without diminution, all they are entitled
to by law.

"Danger is imminent. Promptness is indispensable. Let the people
of Ohio now repay the debt which their fathers incurred to the
gallant people of Kentucky for the defense of Ohio against the
British and Indians. They now app