Bancratz Ball to Richard Yates

Greenville Bond Co Ill May 13th 1865 Hon Richard Yates Dear Sir As you have received a letter from my friends S. B. Moore [G. F.] Allexander and probably of Judge Gillespi, in regard to emmigration. I only would respectfully mention yet; that I would be real happy to receive such a commission for the reason that there has never been a better time for such a step than now. Our country is covered with glorious victory and the nation in now free from the curse of slavery. I would really feel proud as an American Citizen to go back to my old native home as I am convinced that the labor for said cause would be successful now that emmigration is a great fountain of wealth and prosperity to the country, is not necessary for me to tell you as to that fact you are well aware.

My application for this commission is not for the sake of making money, as I want no more than to cover the expense for the time and labor. My intention is to work through the press and to distribute phamlets among the peoble there, in fact [take?] such steps as I think to be well and prosper. I think that about [3?] months of labor including the jorney, [illegible] to that cause, will secure more for the benefit of our country, than it would cost to send me there. I remain your obedient servand Bancratz Ball

Bancraz Ball Greenville Ill May 20 65 Sent a letter to S. P. Moore and J. F. Alexander to be sent to Seward on the [illegible]