21 May 1861

Tuesday, 21st Cloudy in the forenoon, pleasant in the afternoon.

20 May 1861

May, Monday, 20th 1861 Cloudy: chilly in the afternoon.

19 May 1861

Sunday, 19th Showery: cool.

[from official records]
Hdgrs. Illinois Volunteer Militia, First Brigade, Camp Defiance, Cairo, Ill., May 19, 1861.
Hon. A. Lincoln, President of the United States:
SIR: I am authorized by the colonels of regiments constituting the First Brigade of Illinois Volunteers, now in service of the General Government, to tender their services with the command to you for the war or for three years. I deem it my duty to say to you that as the call has been made for more force front this State, and we having been mustered in for three months, having been uniformed and equipped, we should be pleased to hear that we are to be accepted. I therefore make the tender to you of the First Brigade of Illinois Volunteers, which I have the honor to command.
Very respectfully, B.M. Prentiss, Brigadier- General.

18 May 1861

Saturday, 18th Pleasant.

[from Official Records…]
Springfield, Ill., May 18, 1861.
Col. John A. McClernand : The six additional regiments for three years. or the war, called for from Illinois, are ready. It is important they should be received immediately, as they are in camp at expense of State. These six and also four other regiments were raised by the State for thirty days, pledged to enter service when called for, and all of them want to go. Urge that instructions be sent immediately to muster as many of these regiments as you can into service. It will save thousands daily.
Richd. Yates, Governor of Illinois.

17 May 1861

Friday, 17th Fair.

16 May 1861

Thursday, 16th Fair.

15 May 1861

Wednesday, 15th Pleasant.