Dickey was authorized by the State of Illinois to raise a company of cavalry in August 1861. This company became the nucleus of the 4th Regiment Illinois Volunteer Cavalry, the recruitment of which resulted in a dispute between Colonel Dickey and Illinois Governor Richard Yates over the commissions to be granted to the officers of the regiment, a valuable tool of political patronage.
Dickey received permission from the State of Illinois to form a cavalry company in August 1861. The recruitment for this company resulted in a disagreement between Dickey and Governor Yates over the commissions given to the regiment's officers, which was a way for politicians to gain influence.