Thomas P. Robb to Richard Yates

Head Qtrs Illinois Military & Sanitary Agency

Memphis Tenn Nov 22 1864

His Excellency Richard Yates

Governor of Illinois

Springfield Illinois

Sir. In my late tour of inspection in the Department of the Cumberland, I visited Lookout Mountain Hospital, at Chattanooga Tennessee. Aside from the ordinary interest excited by visiting a locality now become famous, the occasion was one long to be remembered by me, by reason of an incident, which will form the material [post?] of this communication.

The Illinois Soldiers, diseased and wounded, inmates of the hospital I have named, wished to testify in our humble way, their appreciation of the self- sacrificing intrest manifested in their behalf upon all occasions by your Excellency. To that end, they commisioned me in their behalf, to present to you the cane accompanying this this letter, trusting that you might accept it, not for its intrinsic value merely, for that is small, but as

an [illegible] of their gratitude and lasting esteem. It is of laurel wood, commonly called by the natives iron wood, by reason of its hardness, and was cut by the eldest of their number, from over the summit of the Mountain.

Will your Excellency please accept it, as the gift of honest, brave and patriotic hearts. The Soldiers is no Diplomatist. He is all unused to flattery - He speaks right out the sentiments of his heart, whither it be in hearty condemnation of treason, covert or avowed, or in grateful acknowledgements of kindnesses received. Rest assured then, that this expression, whatever be its worth, has at least the merit of being an honest one. With this cane, this Soldiers also wished me to return to your Excellency their thanks for all done by you in their behalf, and to extend their hope and prayer, that after you shall have vacated your office, as soon you will be called upon to do health and prosperity may attend you wherever, or in whatever position, public or private you may be, and especially that nothing may ever arise to cause you to regret your efforts and labors in behalf of the volunteers of Illinois, in the Great Army of the Union. With sentiments of personal esteem, in behalf of these sick and wounded soldiers, I am Governor-very Respectfully

Your Obedient

Thos. P. Robb

Col & Agent

Governor. This communication was first suggested by Genl Oglesby- since by many friends - an answer from you will not only be gratifying to the latter, but to our Soldiers in the field and in hospital. Please direct to me here.

I am waiting very impatiently for my new [orders?] instructions. as my time is limited - on receipt, will you please telegraph brief instruction to visit - N.O. & inspect Hospitals [illegible] - it will answer just as well -

Respectfully

T.P. Robb

Col & Agt

P.S. I have written Genl Oglesby this date - T.P.R

Prepare answers dating back & return to me.

Robb.Col Thos P

Memphis Nov 22d 1864

While at Lookout Mountain to inspect Hospitals The sick and wounded Ill's soldiers in hospital gave him a cane of Laural Wood - cut from the summit of the moun- tain.

The present is not of intrinsic value but is presented through mere motives of friendship in consideration of your noble service and aid to the soldiers,

If you reply, send it to him at Memphis.