Richard Yates to Mrs. Hoge and Mrs. Livermore

State of Illinois

Executive Department

Springfield Nov. 6 1863

Private Dispatch

Mrs. Hoge & Mrs Livermore

Chicago Ills

I tried my best to get back in time for the fair but was detained by the most urgent business in Washington & New York, and have just arrived here.

Most deeply and sincerely do I regret my inability to be present, for I regard the occasion as one of the most remarkable of the age in which we live. So beautiful and benevolent a conception rises to sublimity, and the splendid success which you have achieved, and the good you have

done, will blazon the history of this eventful epoch with some of its brightest pages. Who hereafter shall ask what American women may not accomplish? Therefore let “your hearts rejoice and be exceeding glad” for you have scaled the proudest height of human achievement and left names to go shining down the sky of time as the best and noblest benefactresses of your race.

Very Respectfully

Richd Yates