J. Burns to Richard Yates, enclosure

Washington City, March 18, 1862.

To his Excellency,

Richard Yates

Governor of the

State of Ills

Sir:

The origin, progress, and incidents of the contest now waging in the revolted States for the preservation of the Union and the Constitution, will have an interest and importance for future generations far beyond what is felt in the present day.

Believing that it will be an acceptable duty to the people of the whole country to preserve, in a convenient form, the services rendered by the loyal men of America to the cause of the Union, I propose to publish, at an early day, a work devoted to that object.

If it be agreeable to you to give your influence and encouragement to such a work, by furnishing me with such information as may aid me in my purpose, I shall feel greatly obliged. The work will comprise a biographical record of the leading men, civil and military, who have taken a prominent part in suppressing the Rebellion, and will be illustrated with finely engraved portraits, as well as maps and plans of battles. The subjects will be classified by States and Territories, and will comprise executive, civil, military, and naval officers, and men of science and philanthropy.

In addition to a sketch of your own life and public services, it would greatly facilitate my purpose if you would designate some person who will also furnish the like information in regard to the prominent civil and military officers connected with your official duties.

The work must necessarily be published by subscription, and I respectfully ask to be favored with your name and influence.

With sentiments of high respect,

Your Obedient Servant,

J Burns

PROSPECTUS.

The Subscriber will publish, as soon as the materials can be obtained, a work, to be entitled "THE LOYAL MEN OF AMERICA, Civil and Military, with Portraits and other Illustrations."

This work is intended to be a permanent record of the patriotic services rendered by prominent citizens engaged in upholding the cause of the Union and suppressing Rebellion. It will embrace the President and Cabinet, Members of Congress, Governors of States,--all who have rendered themselves conspicuous for gallantry in arms, or devotion to civil duties.

J Burns

Please address your reply to J. BURNS, Washington City, under cover of the Hon. SAMUEL C. POMEROY, U. S. Senator, Washington, D. C.

Circular from J. Burns, Washington

Proposing to publish a book & asking for biographical sketch of Gov. &c.

Mar 18/62

[?] Moses please examine