George C. Bestor to Richard Yates

Peoria Aug 11 1861

To His Excelly Richd Yates

Springfield

Dear Sir

I recd a letter from Capt Davidson who commands the Artillery Co from this place [illegible] Mexico [illegible] Aug 6th and he says = The State of Illinois has contracted for [illegible] 3 batteries of rifled cannon and that of these pieces only one of which is fit for use. = Davidson took from our City a [illegible] [illegible] of [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] and some old artillery [illegible]. I hope if he can W [illegible [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] W = I enclose his letter to you so you see all he has to say =

Very Respecy yours Ser

Geo C. Bestor

PS. I do hope our [illegible] boys [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] of the [illegible] + [illegible] [illegible] = As I have no faith in the [illegible] musket [illegible] at St. Louis

George C Bestor

Feb Only