Joseph H. Tucker to Richard Yates

New York Jany 14th 1863

His Excellency

Richard Yates

Governor of Illinois

Springfield

Dear Governor

For God Sake What are we coming to? It seems to me that unless God in his kind providence interposes in our behalf soon our Country is lost. The people are right, or generally so, but are fast loosing confidence in the management of the Administration and to some extent becoming desparate. Our people admire a man of boldness and Pluck And it seems to me are fast approaching that condition when if such a man should strike [and?] might inaugurate a fearfull revolution at home that would require all the resources of the government to subdue.

I fear that serious demoralization is in some portions of our army and I think certainly the trash is equal to the Consumptive and there the fearfull extravagance & plunder. Oh for a man at the head of the War Department of brains, honesty, & pluck to

inaugurate a reform and restore the sinking spirits of our people and discipline in our Army.

I see that perfect harmony does not prevail at Springfield. But Governor you are in a position to make the issue boldly with the radical opposition and all conservatives will be with you.

I beg pardon for trespassing upon your time with the above suggestions but as I sat down to drop you a line they were in my mind.

I have just this moment cut the enclosed slip out of this mornings Times and as it in effect what as you know -- I have suggested for Illinois or the North that I send it.

This will be found indispensible for the efficiency of the Army and Stop Some of the plundering.

After the Adjutant General relieved me from duty at Chicago I advised him that I should visit New York for a few days and I expecting to have heard from him here, but I may not remain here now long enough to receive my Communication unless by telegraph. My address is Saint Nicholas Hotel or Van Fleck & Tucker, Bankers Broad St.

I did think of moving down to Washington with Col. Shaffer of Genl Butler's staff but today I think I shall not go before I return home unless something more occurs to make it desirable.

Excuse Governor this hastily written letter and believe me your Excellency

Very Obt Servant

Joseph H Tucker

Private

Joseph H. Tucker

New York Jany 14 63

State of County

War Policy etc

Enclosed a slip from N. Y. Tribune Containing the order creating Depart of the East. "Genl Wool commanding."