B. C. Cook to Richard Yates

Private

Morris August 27th 1864

To his Excellency Gov. Yates

Dear Sir: The appointment of James A. Reading as deputy Provost Marshall for Grundy Co. is an appointment not fit to be made. He never has been thoroughly a republican never has been trusted by the party and is one of the most unpopular men here. once he was elected to the Legislature as a republican and all our friends were disatisfied and disgusted with this course, ask any of them who were there. This appointment weakens us here it disgusts and dissatisfies such men as William T. Hopkins whom Reading has injured deeply in pecuniary matters. Grundy Co. has this day elected delegates to a congressional convention and instructed them to vote for me by a two thirds vote. enough delegates are chosen to nominate me who are instructed for me I dont want to be cumbered with such a weight as Readings appointment I wish you would fail to commission him

and have his appointment revoked. If you can do nothing else hold on to the commission until after the 5th and I will get an expression from the congressional convention which will then meet. What is the use of having appointments made that weaken our party and disgust our friends. please let me hear from you at Ottawa

Yours Truly

B. C. Cook

Cook B. C. Morris Ills Aug 27th 64

Says that the appointment of J. N. Reading as Dpty Prov. Mar for Grundy Co. was wrong, and requests that it be revoked.

Ansd

Answer I do not appt. or com---heard nothing of it file