Galena, Ill., May 24, 1861.
Colonel L. Thomas,
Adjutant-General U . S. Army, Washington, D. C . :
Sir: Having served for fifteen years in the Regular Army, including four years at West Point, and feeling it the duty of every one who has been educated at the Government expense to offer their services for the support of that Government, I have the honor, very respectfully, to tender my services until the close of the war in such capacity as may be offered. I would say that, in view of my present age and length of service, I feel myself competent to command a regiment if the President, in his judgment, should see fit to intrust one to me. Since the first call of the President I have been serving on the staff of the Governor of this State, rendering such aid as I could in the organization of our State militia, and am still engaged in that capacity. A letter addressed to me at Springfield, Ill., will reach me.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
U. S. GRANT.