W. J. F. Stephens to Richard Yates

Jacksonville, Ills. 10th Sept. 1861

His Excellency Richd Yates,

Governor of the State of Illinois

Respected Sir!

By the advice of some of my friends in Jacksonville, I recently made application to the President for the Consulate of a small Island in the West Indies, where I resided many years, & in which I still have many friends & relatives. Yesterday I received a communication from the President's private Secretary, informing me that my application had been referred to the Department of State, to which I was requested to address any future communications on the subject.

'Squire Stacy - in whose office I have been writing for several years, thinks that a line from you, would have much greater influence with the Secretary of State, than volumes of testimonials or letters of introduction from other sources.

From present prognostics, it is very probable

that Mr. Stacy will be defeated in the November election. In that event, he will have other resources on which to fall back, but I shall be left without any. Under these circumstances, permit me to ask the favor of you to furnish me with a testimonial of character. By complying with my wish, you will do a deed of charity, and confer a lasting obligation on my family. If you desire it, I will furnish you with various complimentary testimonials from Professor Turner, 'Squire Stacy, &c &c.

I am

Respected Sir!

Your obedt Servt

W. J. F. Stephens.

W. J. F. Stephens

Jacksonville

for letter of Rmdn to Secy of State

Letter to Secy sent Sept 14