F.N. Bissell to Richard Yates

New Orleans La Mar 1. 1863

To His Excellency

The Gov of Illinois

Dear Sir

I take the liberty of addressing you this note for the purpose of gaining some information in regard to the rights of married women in your State.

I will state my case to you in as few words as possible. I am a union man, with or without Slavery. When this rebellion broke out I held a handsome property, was considerably in debt but with the great prosperity we enjoyed should soon have been out of debt.

Land & Negros are now valueless & as my creditors have aided the rebellion I have no disposition to pay them if I could, when they go back into the union & restore my property to its original value I shall be ready to pay my debts.

I have a little Cash on hand my wife has a few thousand dollars in her own right. Can she buy Property in your State in her own name & if so will it be exempt from my debts

Under present circumstances there is no money to be made here our negros are running at large We have no controls of them. I have Sworn never to live under Jeff Davis & Co. I have been [imprisoned?] by Gen Moore, while he had his sway here & now completely broke up

[line missing from copy]

to give me such information as I wish, I have been [thirty?] six years in the South & regret now that I had not cast my lot in the great west

Very respectfully

Your Obt Sert

F N Bissell

Please Direct

F N Bissell

care Mssrs Hall & Rodd

Merchants

N Orleans

La

PS Genl Bank is sending a large force to B Rouge. He must have at least 25,000 men now & more are joining up daily The [Seventh? Fleet?] at Port Hudson will have to fight or have very soon My opinion is they will [retire?] as their supplies are now cut off from Rio River & Texas

F M Bissell

New Orleans La Mar 1s 63.

Wishes to know the rights of women to hold property in this state, is a poor man – has property in N Orleans, but is badly in debt, his wife has money, and wishes to buy a farm in Illinois.

Hopes the Governor will give him the desired information.

M L

Recd Ex O March 20th 1863.