John H. Kinzie to Richard Yates

Cairo, Ill July 29th 1861

His Excelly

Gov. Yates

Springfield

Dr Sir

Will you be kind enough to enclose to me here the letter you were so obliging as to promise to write either to the President or Secretary of War, recommending my son Arthur M. Kinzie, now in Capt. Smith's company Chicago Light Artillery, for a commission as Lieutenant in the Army of the United States. He has an excellent education having been to College, is a good soldier having belonged before joining the artillery to Col Ellsworths Souaves. He is tall, well proportioned and good looking - is in his 21st year and was born at Chicago. I can recommend him as being well qualified for the station, and I feel sure will fulfil all you can say in his favour. His morals unexceptionable.

A letter from you, will be of

great weight, and for which I shall ever be grateful.

Very respectfully, sir,

Yr. obt. servt.

John H. Kinzie

[U.S.A.?]

John H Kinzie

Soliciting appointment for son

Letter sent July 25.