John G. Hardy to Richard Yates

Birds Point Mo July 15th 1861

To the Hon Richard Yates Dr Sir

I take this opertunity of troubling your Honer and asking a favour at your hand. as there is as I learn from the action of congress there is a large No of troopes yet to rais, and I am anctious to act a part for our government and fifty years of age an had sum experiance in the Mexican War, perhaps can get at least a fair recommendation as any private Member of society for qualifications and therefore ask at your hand for an appointment in sum department of my countrys survis.

my helth is sucth tho past age that I am well able for any command your Honer might be willing to bestow on me, and can rais cavelry or infantry in Southern Ills from one to ten companys, and would be glad to do so by your order.

for refferances I will direct you to John [OLery?] J A McLernand GG. Marshall, and A J. Kuykendall. You will due me the favour to answer soon at Cairoe Ills yours Truly

John G. Hardy

Hon R Yates

John G. Havely

asking appointment

John D Hardy