Richard Yates to Reuben Carr

February 26th 4

Mr. Reuben Carr Hidalgo

Jasper Co Ill.

Dear Sir: I am in receipt of your letter relating to state of affairs in your District and have read it carefully and will place the information it contains with possession of proper authorities and use my best [endeavor?] to improve the conditions of matters of which the loyal men of your County have a right to complain. A new Provost Marshal will be appointed and I am assured that the military authorities will sustain officers who have duty of arresting deserters and punish all who violate the peace of society & the laws. I sympathize deeply with the sufferers in the tragedy you relate. The power of retribution will surely [illegible] come upon the fiends who [illegible] those [hostages?] yesterday.

Rich. Yates