John Pope to Richard Yates

Milwaukee

Feb 19 63

Dear Governor.

In Order that young Norton may be a member of my staff & draw his pay he must be commissioned as Lieutenant in some regiment & Company. A commission at large carries with it no recognition from the Govt & the holder of it gets no pay [nor rank?] in the public service -

Will you not do me the kindness to give young Norton an appointment as Lieutenant in one of the Illinois regiments -? In the 20th regiment which was raised in his section of the State there are several vacancies. One of them I ask for him - I am very sure the Col. of the 20th (Marsh) would willingly consent to his appt for such a purpose.

I regret that I could not stop to see you as I passed through Springfield but I shall go [down?] for the purpose in a few days, as soon as I can 

clear off the business which has accumulated in my office during my absence.

I heartily sympathize with you in the difficult position you have occupied during the last session of the Legislature but I am firm in the belief that every thing will yet come right.

We need in Washington what you can well imagine but what I fear we shall not obtain.

We must do the best we can without it but it is saddening & discouraging to all true friends of the Government. I will endeavor to have a long talk with you before the end of the month

very truly Your fd

Jno Pope

Hon Richard Yates

Springfield Ills.

Major Gen John Pope

Kankakee Ills July 19, 63

Desires the Gov to give young Norton a commission in some of the Ill Regts so that he can hold his position on his staff. Regrets that he has not time to call and have a talk with the Gov.

Private A.G.