Annual Report of the Adjutant General of the State of Illinois. Springfield, Illinois: Baker & Phillips, 1863. 8vo. Extensive tables. Contemporary one-quarter black morocco. With presentation gilt black morocco label: "Major James R. Loomis." 

SIGNED BY ADJUTANT GENERAL ALLEN C. FULLER to front free endpaper: "Allen C. Fuller / Springfield / Ills." With presentation slip bound in before title page. 

Allen C. Fuller (1822-1901) was a lawyer and judge who served as the Adjutant General for Illinois from 1862 until the end of the war. The report is a valuable record of Illinois regiments in service at the time of publication in 1863. It was presented to Major James R. Loomis, which is likely Reuben Loomis of the 6th Illinois Cavalry who was the rank of Major at the time of publication. 

Loomis enlisted on 19 November 1861 and was commissioned Captain of Company I. He was promoted to Major on 30 April 1862 and again to Lt. Colonel on 1 August 1863. The regiment was encamped in western Kentucky and engaged guerillas throughout 1862. Late in the year, they formed the advance of General Sherman's Army Corps moving south towards Grenada, Mississippi. 

In April 1863, they participated in Col. Benjamin Grierson's famous raid across Tennessee, Mississippi, and Louisiana, arriving in Baton Rouge on May 2nd. After engaging at the Siege of Port Hudson, they joined further raids throughout Louisiana. 

Shockingly, Loomis was murdered by a fellow officer of the 6th Illinois Cavalry: Major Thomas G.S. Herod. While Loomis was out on operations, Major Herod misused his authority and was reprimanded by Loomis on his return. The exchange was heated, and Herod sought out Loomis that evening to confront him. When Loomis refused to refute his statements, Herod became further incensed and threatened to kill him. Reportedly, Loomis said, "Major Herod, you have got a pistol in your hand, and I am unarmed. If you want to kill me, kill me." Herod seized the opportunity, firing five times, killing Loomis instantly.

Herod was sentenced to death after his initial court martial; however, powerful friends of his convinced President Lincoln to commute his sentence to 10 years. He only served one year, however, as he was pardoned by President Johnson and was released on 2 May 1866. 

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Front board fully detached. Rear board partially detached. Heavy wear to spine and extremities.