Copy

                                                                                    Chicago Ills

                                                                                                Nov 11^th 1861—

 

Hon

Abraham Lincoln

            President of United States

 

                                                Sir

                                                            Col. James A. Mulligan, who so gallantly defended Lexington, has returned, and has every where been received with the greatest enthusiasm.

 

            He proposes to immediately fill up the regiment called the Irish Brigade, and return to the field. I know him well, he having read law in my office. He is brave, modest, rapid in his decisions, cool, hardy, and with very great power over his men.

 

            Indeed he has a most wonderful magnetic power over his soldiers. He drinks no wine—he is a water drinker. In a word, he is admirably adapted to command.

 

            If he lives a brilliant career is before him. Personally he is, altho. young, fit for a Brigadier General.

 

            There are strong considerations of a politic nature, why, in my judgment his / appointment would be one fit to be made, and why it should be made promptly.

 

            It would be regarded as a compliment by our Irish fellow Citizens, and one which by their patriotism they merit. He can fill up a Brigade of two or three regiments here in the North West in thirty days.

 

            The Irish will rally around him to a man, and he has the ability to inspire them with his own courage. He does not desire to be assigned a command, but would prefer to raise his Brigade. I earnestly request his immediate promotion to a Brigadier General’s commission, and will be responsible that he shall do credit to his position. I shall regard his appointment as a personal favor, and request, if he be appointed, the privelege of presenting his commission in person. It would be gratifying to me as he was a student for some years in my office. I shall leave for Washington next week. Should there be a reply this week, please permit Mr Hay to telegraph me.          Very Truly and Respectfully

                                                                                                            Isaac N. Arnold

 

            P.S.

                        This application is made without any solicitation on part of Col Mulligan. He is as modest as brave.                I. N. Arnold.

SOURCES