3 pages, 5 x 8, in ink.

Aurora, Ills., Aug. 10/1879

Gen. S.B. Sherer,

Friend Sherer I understand that there will be a party or parties to visit you tomorrow asking for positions on your staff or that the whole committee be placed on it. I presume that you will agree with me that none but soldiers should be placed thereon for this occasion for you understand, better than I, that you want those of experience and soldierly qualities and as we talked the other day it would be best to select from different parts of the State. As soon as the muster rolls begin to come in, and I think they will tomorrow, and we can find out who will be here and what their qualifications are, then I think you can select with some judgement who will be the right men in the right places, and as the small programmes need not be printed for a few days, you will not necessarily be in great haste. I write this at the request of some of the state committee and of course as a private and confidential matter. I hope that you and Swain will visit us soon, please drop a postal to me before you come. We have, or shall rather, obtain 355 muskets from Wisconsin. Hope Lippincott will get those 500 at least from Boston. Hoping to see and hear from you soon.

I am yours,
S.C. Ferre

To Gen. S.B. Sherer
Chicago, Ills.

I wish you would write me the rank and numbers that will compose your staff.

S.C.F.

Some small stain spots. Light age toning. Very fine.

General Samuel B. Sherer, was a resident of Aurora, Illinois, when he enlisted during the Civil War on August 20, 1861, as a 1st Lieutenant, and was commissioned into Jenks Company, Illinois Independent Cavalry. He was promoted to Captain on July 9, 1862. On December 15, 1862, he was transferred into Co. I, 15th Illinois Cavalry; was promoted to Major on July 29, 1863, and mustered out of service on August 25, 1864. After the war he was prominent in G.A.R. affairs, and was a prominent General in the Illinois National Guard.