Richard Yates to P. H. Davenport

12th Dec. 1

P. H. Davenport Esqr.

Sumner Ills.

D Sir;

In reply to your letter of the 24th Inst. I regret that it is not in my power to give a favorable response to your request. The commanding officer from the post has the sole power to grant furloughs. As to officers, applications are almost innumerable and there are no vacancies. Your son might possibly [illegible], if he could be sure of raising a regt; but here again, I have no power.

Wishing that I could aid you,

I remain very respectful

Richd Yates

Gov'