Francis A. Hoffmann to Washington Bushnell

State of Illinois, Executive Department. Springfield May 6th 1863

Hon W Bushnell, Ottawa Ills.

My dear Bush:

I perceive that I will have to address you myself on the subject of the Mandamus. Now Bush, give me your attention. We The State officers desire that you Washington Bushnell Esq attorney at Law &c, at once apply to the Supreme Court, now in session in your city, for the issuing of a Mandamus, directed to Alexander Starne, State Treasurer, ordering him to perform his official duties as such Treasurer or to show good cause why he refuses to do so. It is absolutely necessary that this should be done at once,---it is due to our pressing wants, due to us as officers of the State, due to the republican party. We cannot run the machine without money. Starne refuses to pay

and it being somewhat doubtful whether an adjourned session of the Legislature will take place, we must make this effort. And you dear Bush, have been agreed upon unanimously as the attorney of the State. Now please go to work. You know that fine building is on fire,--- the Reservoir, this time belonging to Bush, (not to Bunn,) is full of water, and we want you to extinguish the flames. Starne will throw no obstacle into your way,---he wants a decision himself. We say that he has no business to go behind the record. He has been furnished with a certified copy of the Appropriation,---duly executed and as an officer it is his duty to pay. Enclosed find a protested warrant, issued to Loomis, for services done as Assistant in Adj. General's office, you will see by the endorsement that Starne refuses to pay &c.

Now dear Bush,---please go to work, make yourself useful. let the Reservoir be put to work, crown yourself with Eternal glory,---become the saviour of your country and "let her rip" generally.

Uncle Jessie and Cousin Hatch send their respects -

Your friend and fellow "citizen"

Francis A Hoffmann

Actg Governor

X vide: Senator Bushnell's speech in Senate Chambers