Richard Yates to Oliver P. Morton

State of Illinois

Executive Department.

Springfield Jany 19, 1863

Dear Governor

I received your likeness –an excellent one in every particular, for which please accept my thanks. Won't you please send me one of size of the enclosed for my wife's Album and much oblige her.

I have had the one received framed and it is now in my office.

The legislature here is a wild, rampant, revolutionary body - will attempt to legislate all power out of my hands. What is best to be done in such a case?

I would like much if we could keep each other advised as I feel sure that there is concert between the traitors of your and our state. The ardor of the leaders here has been somewhat cooled by large Union demonstrations, and there is now quite a calm but it may be

the calm which prevades the storm.

Have you made any preparations for an emergency? If so please advise me as I have yet decided upon no definite plan.

Your friend

Richd Yates

Copy.

Private

Gov. Yates Jan 19-63 to Gov. Morton

Enclosing photog.

Private