William Hunter to Richard Yates

Cairo Ills, May 6th 1861

Hon Richad Yates

Governor Springfield Ills

At the request of

Isaac D. Yocum of this place I have taken the

liberty of addressing you. he States, that at the

time the troops first came to this place General

Swift took possession of his House and outbuil

dings consisting of stabling sufficient for

thirty horses and one hundred mules. the

house had been ocupied as a tavern and

boarding house and contains in all some

eighteen or twenty rooms, possession was

given by Mr Yocum upon an agreement

that he should be paid for the property

and a purchase made. he demanded the

sum of two thousand dollars and fairly

understood that that sum was to be

paid. the arrangement completely broke

up his business, and induced him to

remove his family and effects to Carbondale

where he went and made arrangements

to go into business. the premises are

still occupied by the quartermaster,

Col. Prentice now refuses to ratify the

contract. he respectfully requests that

you will give the matter your attention

If the contract is repudiated it will cer

tainly by ruinous to Mr Yocum

Enclosed please find his affidavit

and that of Mr [name] who was present

at the time the agreement was made

Very Respectfully Yours

Wm Hunter

Capt W Hunter

as to House taken

by Prentis