T. B. Tuthill to Richard Yates

[July 8, '61]

To His Excellency Richd Yates Gov. of Illinois

Dear Sir

I have a son now in his twentieth year, well grown & healthy who wishes very much to finish his education at West Point in order to devote himself to the service of his country. He is now at the end of his Sophomore year at Middlebury College, Vt. President [Labarce?] assures me that he has a high standing in his class & that his deportment & moral character are all a father could wish. Seeing a notice that additional Cadets would be admitted to the Institution at W. Point I have taken the liberty to ask yr. interest in procuring an appointment for my son there. I have written also to Senator Trumbull whom you may remember I met with yrself at the Planters house in St Louis last summer. We spoke then of the Walbriges of Pulaski who are my stepsons & I believe well known to you Joel Manning Esq of LockPort is also a particular friend of mine. Our political an

tecedents have always been in harmony since you have been on the stage & even in the darkest times in our Egypt for thirty years past I have borne my protest, ill supposed as it has been, to the misrule of the so called Democracy. I have received none of the government patronage & now only ask that my son may be permitted to prepare himself the better to serve his country in a military career. His name is Richard Stanley Tuthill - he is known in Jacksonville for he received his preparatory education there two years ago. Wishing you success in the discharge of your onerous & responsible duties & that old as I am we may see the perfect triumph of our beloved country & the overwhelming defeat of all traitors I am most respectfully yr friend and servant D.B. Tuthill

DeSoto Jackson Co. Ill July 8th 1861

D.B. Tuthill

Asking Recommendatn of Son for Military Acad

Answd July 23 1861.