James Proylatin to Richard Yates

                                 Quincy Ill May 25 1863

His Excellency Richard Yates

                                       My D Sir

                                           I take the liberty of introducing Mrs William Carlin of Quincy - who leaves her home to aid in securing the release of her husband now imprisoned in St. Louis.  I understand the charge against Mr. Carlin is that of general disloyalty // - this charge I assure you is not true according to the best of my knowledge and belief - No disloyal act is reported or charged against - he was on the west bank of the Missippi river opposite Quincy where for years he has been in the habit of going to visit his sick (Nanny?) in the bottoms and was there arrested for his conversation alleged to have taken place in a grocery seven weeks previous.  Mrs Carlin is a citizen of Illinois and entitled to your protection.  I have never doubted your readiness to protect the citizens of our state from oppression come from what quarter it may - and especially in such a case as Mrs. Carlin presents - And I earnestly request that you will at least enquire into the cause and authority of his account

whatever others may say Governor - I assure you - if there is spark of honor or a single ray of truth in my soul that this whole section of county never was more law abiding than at this moment. You have the power by kind words to keep them so - you will thus win true officers and make yourself an enduring fame.

"The people want to know that they have a friend.  Make yourself that man - you can be so now without any conflict of authority -.  I write you as I would rather in the sincerity of that friendship, you can never have cause to doubt.

                                                            I am very truly your friend

                                                               Jacob Proylatin