Allen C. Fuller to Richard Yates

Belvidere Monday Evening July 6 1863

Dear Governor

I went to Freeport Saturday night and saw Shaffer and returned last night. We partially agreed to leave to night & join your at Milwaukee tomorrow for MacKinaw. I telegraphed Jim to day & also telegraphed [Ohaffer?] to come along to night & I expect him at midnight. My wife is ready & her trunk is packed. This my status.

I have this evening read the glorious news of Meads victory in Pennsylvania, and yet I am [illegible] with apprehension for Grants condition. The news from [below?] does not look right. Grant has fallen back at some points on his line & the strength of Johnson is greater than we have supposed. This is the [purport?] & substance of the situation as published today.

Burnsides dispatch that 4,000 rebel cavalry are marching on Glascow means a cavalry raid on the eastern border of Kentucky & [illegible] across the ohio for they have crossed the Cumberland. [And?] with this threatening appearance of things near home I do not feel it right for both of us to be gone at the same time. There is no telegraph at Mackinaw. Green Bay is the nearest. Something may be regained - probably not. But if any important thing should turn out between the State & War Department and both of us should be out of reach I fear we should be blamed & justly so.

I am exceedingly anxious to accompany you & have a few days rest & a little fresh air but under the circumstances I feel it my duty to forego that pleasure for the present.

[illegible] Shaffer will "fill the bill" without me & I will wait until you return where I hope to be able to leave for a few days. With any uncertainty about my duty I shall not and could not be content to be out of the state now.

Do not I [less?] of you however let what I hear state in explanation of my be keep out, for a moment interfer with the pleasure of your trip. Go ahead & enjoy yourself and stay until your strength is restored. You will not have a better opportunity. I will do the best I can and will telegraph you at Green Bay & be [illegible] should any emergency require it. [With?] greate haste

As ever Your Friend

Allen C Fuller

Private Fuller Allen C ______________ Belvidere July 6 1863 _____________________ Had intended to join the Governor at Chicago- and go with him to Milwaukee - has concluded it best for him not to be absent from the State- Will do the best he can &c &c- ______________________________________

Recd ExO 10th Aug 1863