Head Quarters 2nd Regt. Iowa Volunteers
Keokuk June 3. 1861
Hon S Cameron
Secy of War
Dr Sir
It is needless for me to suggest that as far as possible appointments should be made from the graduates of the Military Academy to military positions. Your recent order to Governors in this respect will do good. The constitution of this State intervenes and requires every officers election. Still in the volunteers the experienced or educated men who are otherwise qualified are generally preferred. I received the unaminous vote of the first 3 year regiment for Colonel. But beyond this I respectfully suggest that appointments to a prospective increase of the army should be made from those who have become enrolled and now show fitness and fidelity worthy of consideration. Such a rule may have exceptions, but it would help secure good material and give encouragement to those in the service.
I find most of those who fail before the people are pressing their claims before the Department and I very much doubt the propriety before appointing such men to a prospective increase of regulars when the chances are you will neither secure better officers nor better men. You have gone so far in the volunteer mode of enrollment, and been so successful, I think the [illegible] way will be to mold the volunteers into regulars & retain such as you need as long as circumstances require.
The difference between a volunteer for 5 years and a regular for 5 years would only be in the mode of appointing officers, and this can be so modified as to secure proper places to all the educated material our schools afford.
Very Respectfully
Yr Obt Servt
Saml R. Curtis
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