C. L. Timberlake to Richard Yates

C. L. Timberlake

For appt to office

Not to be answered

Cincinnati

April 23d 1861

Hon Richd Yates

Dear Sir

In making this Communication to you I can not help but refer to times past of our younger days when we was Boys together. It has been many years and many changes since we met. And now the worst of troubles is upon us. But tho a Kentuckyan by birth and all the ties I have are of the South Yet I cannot recognize so flagrant an act of Treason & Rebellion as has been committed by the

Southern [disappointed?] office seekers. It is to them we owe all this trouble. I am here in this City and a firm supporter as I ever have been of our Glorious old Union I cannot more or better explain my ideas than to give you the motto of the Frankfort Commonwealth of Ky which is If Civil War Comes we wish it distinctly understood we fight for the United States. We had rather die defending the Good old flag of the Stars & Stripes than to live a thousand years under a rattlesnake pelican or skunks misery flag I will mention to you when I commenced this letter it was for the purpose of

soliciting your influence with Abe Lincoln to endeavor to get me a situation or Office that will afford me a compatent salery to maintain my family I would propose a Mail Agency on Some of the Rail Roads a position in the Custom House as Clerk - at Cincinnati or some such situation. Or if I had a [illegible] to get a situation out West say as Land Agent in some of the Land Offices I want to go west Now if it is posible I would be glad if you could & would do something for me I have been residing in this city for near Eight years I can give you or Mr Lincoln refferences from our best men & business Houses of this City

as to my Honesty & fidelity and industry and attention to business Gov this carrier knows me well for him I have done much business. Caleb B Smith knows me. I have writen to him but I suppose owing to the number of applicants for office I have not heard from him If this is not taxing you too much may I on the grounds of Lang Sine request you to assist me at this time

C L Timberlake

may I hear from you

I [illegible] in 1833 & 1834 lived in Jacksonvill Illinois after that in Lexington Ky

C L T

C L Timberlake

for appt to offices