J. J. Richards to Richard Yates

Augst 21, 1864

Hon Richard Yates

Governor.

Sir,

As the time passes - the Election of Lincoln looks more doubtful. but to my mind not less certain.

& as several States by vote of the people & their Legislature have ordered, that their soldiers in the field shall vote & as I believe, the Constitution of our State with a liberal Constitution will warant our Soldiers to vote. therefore I would respectfully recomend - that you as Commander in Chief of the forces of Illinois - & as Governor of Illinois - issue a general order - instructing the Commanding Officer of Each Illinois regt. to have his - Regt Cast their votes, on the day appointed for the Election - & that

such officer, or officers - either themselves or their men by vote designate their Judge & Clerks of Election - & that the returns of Each regt - duly certified by the Commanding officer - be returned to you. the votes of Soldiers will Undoubtedly decide the Election.

Please think of this - & if necessary either call the legislature together to grant permission - or Else - proclaim - for the people - on or before the 20th of Sept next. to dicide by their votes on that day - to say if their soldiers may vote or not.

Yours truly

J J Richards

Richards J. J.

Aug 21 1864

Desires the Soldiers to vote. Wishes Gov. to issue a proclamation to that effect to to Convene the Legislature.

File

Private