James W. Farrar to Richard Yates

[Letterhead Headquarters Department of Washington Office of Chief Quartermaster]

April 5th Tuesday 1863

Hon Richard Yates

Govenor of Illinois etc

My dear Sir

To you and your influence more than any other person I am deeply indepted for a first class situation under the Government. I improve the very earlest oppertunity to offer my thanks. You must have fascinated the Col, for ever since you left he has been especially kind and generous, only yesterday he sent for me to know if I would like a situation with Col. Fry the Provost Marshal General. now dear Govenor my present salery just barely pays expenses as I have a family, (my wife lost quite all she had by the "Emancipation of slaves in the District of Columbia what she did get was so depreciated as to net only a smal sum,) and if it would not be presuming to much upon your valuable time I would ask as an especial favor that you write the Col (Elias M Greene) a personal letter simply thanking him for the interest he takes in me, on your account, etc., and I feel confident that I would secure the promotion.

Nothing I assure you would so delight me as to be

of service to you.

I would like you to enclose the letter (if you should be so kind as to write one) of the Cols. to me as I wish the pleasure of handing it to him in person.

The grass in the Parks is a foot high and flowers strawberries and early vegetables are already plenty in the markets. "Contrabands" are cleaning up the city and altogether Washington never looked so well.

Hooker's Telegrams in the way of Rebel prisoners are swarming the avenues and streets for the past three or four days, and all goes well, I must tell you a good joke, for General Hooker, so the report goes, Halleck when he heard that Hooker had crossed the Rappahanock telegraphed that it was a bad move and for him to retrace his steps. Hooker replyed "I'll be d-d if it is, I'm runing the Army of the Potomac and if you do not stop sending me telegrams I'll be d-d if I d'nt cut the wires"

Adieu

I have the honor to salute you. with high consideration of esteem.

I remain Your Ob't Serv't

James W Farrar

Washington D.C.

ansd June 26 63

James W. Farrer

File "F."

Washington April 5th 1863

Says he is deeply indebted to the Governor for a good situation in Washington, has been offered a situation under Col Fry Prov Marshall General. Wishes the Governor to write a personal letter to Col Elias M Green thanking him for the interest he has taken in him, wishes the letter sent to him so that he may deliver it to the Col in person

Write the letter & enclose to Farrar - explaining that his letter misplaced & hence the delay

Recd ExO May 11 1863