John Mathers to Richard Yates

Jacksonville Dec 19th, 1864

Gov. R. Yates

Dear Friend

Your (favors?) of the 16th (?) just came to hand and in reply would say that it will be impossible for me to go to Douglas county until the last of the week or the first of next, from the fact that I have been summoned as a witness in a suit pending in (Gap?) county on next Thursday. The trial has been put off once on my account. It is important to the parties for me to be on hand. I will however go over on next Monday. At the suggestion of Abner I wrote a few days ago to Mr. A.G. Wallace clerk of the Circuit Court, who is also my agent in regard to the matter about which you wrote. I think if you would personally drop Wallace a few lines it might be (productive?) of good. He has perhaps as much, if not more influence with the representatives of that county than any other man. Caleb (Ganett?) would also be a first rate man to write to. I think you are acquainted with Wallace. He was connected with us in our Tuscola affairs. I fear that some improper influence has been brought to bear on you in that region, from the fact, that immediately after the election & while I was in Tuscola, I heard Wallace say that the members of the Legislature in that region were for Palmer. But I suppose he was mistaken. He (explained?) however, at the time no (preference?) himself. I know he has very kind feelings for you. Anything I

can do for you will be done with pleasure. It may however be too late to do anything in that quarter. I expect to go over as above stated , but perhaps it would be well to try to get some one else to go also this week. J.G. Gannon attorney at law of Tuscola would also be a good man to enlist in your (favors?).

Hoping for your success, I am

Yours Truly

(J?) Mathers