R. G. Clarke to Richard Yates

Head Quarters 113th

Regt. Ill. Infty Vols.

Memphis Tenn.

Jany. 10th 1865

Hon Richd Yates

Senator Elect of the U.S. from the State of Ills.

Honored Sir: Allow me for myself and in behalf of the Officers and men of my Regiment to congratulate you upon the well merited honor recently bestowed upon you by the Legislature of Illinois in accordance with the preponderance of public feeling in your behalf.

It shows the good sense and trustworthiness of our new Legislature in thus meeting the public expectation & wish by selecting so good and patriotic public servant whose [tallents?] no less than his distinguished services have so long & faithfully been devoted to the best welfare of our noble state & nation and to our gallant soldiers.

We watched with anxious looks the proceedings of the first days

of the sitting of that auspicious Body and did not breath freely untill our Brother and Honored Govenor was triumphantly elected.

May God in mercy spare your life to your country yet many long years. And rest assured that wherever you go or whatever position it shall please God and your countrymen to place you in. You will, as now, always bear with you the distinguished consideration and grateful remembrances of the brave & patriotic soldiers of Illinois.

Please accept again our kindest wishes for your health and happiness.

On behalf of the Regt

Your Most Obt. Servt.

Geo R. Clarke 

Lt. Col. Comdg. Regt.

Clarke, Lt Col Geo R

H'd Qurs 113th Regt Ill. Vols

Memphis Jan 10/65

Congratulates you on your election to the U.S. Senate. And on behalf of the men of his Regt. says that wherever you go or whatever position you occupy you will carry with you the grateful remembrances of the soldiers of Illinois.