G. W. Rives to Richard Yates

Paris Ills. May 20th 1862

His Excelency, Govr Yates

Springfield

Ills.

My Dear Sir -

Having a good chance of sending this by private [hand?], I avail myself of the opportunity. In your last letter, you say "there will be a call session of the Legislature"

Now, from the stand point I occupy, I cannot see that we are to gain anything by the Convening, unless it be that this Great Lo.co." Koran" should be adopted. Then & in that event the legislature might redistrict the State, for Congress &c & by that means, elect our men to the next Congress! But is there a majority yet in both branches? One thing I would suggest, which is this, In the Proclamation Convening the legislature, would it not be well to leave out the subject of the State assuming any portion of the direct tax. The opposition party are down on this tax, & in the event they do adopt this "Koran" Let them take the responsibility & not us, for should it be adopted (& I fear it will) they will make a H--l of a dash & Rush to fill all the places made vacant by it. But we intend to contest that point with them, and the feeling on my side of the State

is, that we will beat them with the present incumbents for state office & in this there is many democrats that will help us. The Fathers & bros of many of the sick & wounded Soldiers will never forget or forsake Gov. Yates in a contest for the position you now hold & that has been so satisfactorily filled by you. I hope this "Koran" may not be adopted, we are doing all we can against it but the party is directed to go for it. Our men are a unit [to?] it together with some Lo.cos.

? Cant you find some place that you can place our friend Capt. T. J. Buntain - he is a Democrat - but O, God - what a Union Man, he is a terror to "secesh" in this place

Now if you can make him a Lieut Co some place or qr. masters assistant, or some position above a private, that will be satisfactory he has a hard time with his bro. Lo.co. they know he has made some efforts in that line, & they taunt him by saying that he is sold &c

I my former letter I said he was a man of no Education This was to broad. what I should have said, he was not finely educated I take occasion to say now that he has a plain old fashioned education, & writes a fair hand & good in Old Pikes arithmetic. Now if you can put him some such place as I indicated, You will do us a great favor & never have cause to regret the step.

I will press the matter, any more knowing that if you can you will fix him up.

My prospects appear to be good in Washington, and is only delayed by the failure of not yet passing the bill in the Senate.

I am assured by those that are there that the Coast is still Clear & as soon as the Bill is passed the appt will be made.

I am waiting like patience as a monument. I am not of the right temperment to watch a place of this kind. I am to anxious always to have decisions at once. I cannot rest easy under delays. Would be pleased to hear from you at any time on some of the things hinted at in this.

I am with Respct

G W Rives

G. W. Rives

Paris Ills

May 20 1862

Private

A.G.O. May 21/62

Ansd

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