Isaac W. Arnold to Richard Yates

Chicago May 1, 1861,

Hon Richard Yates,

Governor of the State of Illinois

Dear Sir:

Rev H. L. Hammond who has been in the ministry twenty years, and for the last few years Editor of the Congregational Herald of this City, earnestly desires an appointment as Chaplain to some of the regiments of our state troops. I cannot find words to sufficiently commend his patriotism to your highest consideration. I would urgently request you to gratify him in this matter, if it comes within your power. His appointment would not only gratify me and be deemed personal favor, but it would be universally acceptable, I believe, to all who know Mr. Hammond.

Hoping that you may be able to give him the desired appointment, I remain

Your Very Respectfully

Isaac W. Arnold

Hon I. W. Arnold

Recommending Rev H. L. Hammond

Ansd