Reuben Rutherford to Richard Yates

Trenton April 22th 1862

Governor Yates

Dear Sir

I take the liberty of sending you a few lines to ask you a few questions about yourself and the new Constitution the Democrats say that we ought to vot for it so as to get a good Democrat to fill the office of Governor for the present Governor gets Drunk verry near all the time and is not fit to fill the office I tell them that I do not believe them fore they take so many twists and turns in poliaticks you can hardly believe them when they do tell the truth if you please write me a few lines about getting Drunk and let me know if it is so for I certainly have seen some of your lectures on temperance in the papers

as fore the new constitution I am opposed to it for I think that they meddle with matters and things that was not any of their business to do

one more question if you have not appointed the comishioners to go to the Soldiers and take the vote on the new Constitution an it Suits your conveniance to appoint me to that office I can attend to it our soldier is in the thirtieth Regiment I belong to Hon P. B Foukes District can give you good references Judge Breese Governor French Judge Underwood

yours respectfully

Reuben Rutherford

Trenton Clinton county Ill

(if you please Dont forget to writs about the Drinking part)

Reuben Rutherford

Trenton April 22

New Constitution

Gov. &c.

Ansd Apr [30?]