Richard Yates to Vincent Ridgely

Springfield May 5, 1861

Rev. Vincent Ridgely

Dear Sir

I recd. your note of May 1 but had no time to reply till now (Sunday)

I write simply to say that before I saw you in my office I had been interesting myself in your behalf in the formation of Regiments. Therefore the imputations implied in your remarks were in the highest degree offensive - and connected with complaints, I have heard of, made in Camp by you, induce me to decline your proffers of friendship.

One word more - You sometime ago gave me a letter of advice, based upon some slanderous imputations, which

had reached your ears, which I received kindly and really thanked you for.

I believe for confessed departure in a few instances from duty I plead my human frailty in yielding to the temptations which ambition & political life presented.

Now it is not in the spirit of malice but for the sake of the great cause, to which I had not proven as faithful as I ought, that I say to you temptations of a somewhat similar character are before you. May you hereafter overcome them!

Respectfully

Richd. Yates

Private

Gov. Yates

to

Capt. Vincent Ridgley

Declining proffers of friendship &c.