John C. Hanna to Richard Yates

[letterhead] ST. LOUIS BRANCH U.S.C.C. ISAAC S. SMITH, CHAIRMAN EDWIN TICKNOR, TREASURER J.B. WHITEHEAD, SECRETARY J.H. PARSONS, COR. SEC'Y GEO. PARTRIDGE E.D. JONES J.W. McINTIRE J.V. LYON E.O. STANARD

Any remittances from the friends of the CHRISTIAN COMMISSION, will be thankfully received and acknowledged by M. Ticknor, Treasurer, St. Louis.

THE U.S. CHRISTIAN COMMISSION Sends this as the soldier's messenger to his home. Let it hasten to those who wait for tidings.

U.S. CHRISTIAN COMMISSION ROOMS Nov. 8th 1864 Bloomington, Illinois

Gov.Yates,

Dr. Sir,

I have taken an agency for the College and Female Seminary of Mattoon, for the education of the orphans of deceased Soldiers. A part of my work will require me to visit the regiments in the fields, and receive the offered contributions of the Soldiers themselves; as they wish, I am informed, to have a Share in this noble enterprise. To insure my Success, by Securing their confidence, it will be very important that they know who

I am, and that I have the indorsement of Some person known to them, in whom they have confidence. I know of no one who can do this better than yourself.

If it be necessary, I wd. like a pass through our lines, to get to the Soldiers, and an introduction to some of our commanders, and if convenient for you to give it, I would like some information as to the location of our regiments.

I do not wish to levy a tax upon your time and add to your labors, as I am aware that you have enough on your hands for one man; but this I regard as a noble and public enterprize. It is one in wh. I hope the people of the State through the legislature will take part.

I am yours. John C. Hanna

[same letterhead as first page]

P.S. This day is at least one of the most important in the history of our nation, as it seems to me that the vote of this day will be recorded for time and for eternity, and the results pf this day's elections will be the sealing of the destinies of the nation, So far as we can see. I know there is an overruling and Superintending power and wisdom that directs our affairs and Shapes our ends; And I think will see to it that this election Shall go right. Perhaps the opposition will call it military interference, but if so

[Nov 8, 1864]

be it so. The Lord is a Great military Chieftain, commanding, and directing the armies of Nations whither he will, and interfering with the Schemes of men, as Seems good to him.

If you do not remember who I am, I will just say I was chaplain of the 145th Reg. Ill. Inf. last Summer.

I am Yours [illegible]

John C. Hanna

Hanna John C.

Bloomington Nov. 8/1864

He has the appointment of Agt. for the college and Female Seminary at Mattoon for the Education of Soldiers' orphans. He will have to go to the field to get the contributions of the Soldiers, and he wants the Govr. to give him letters stating who he is and Endorsing his business & introducing him to commanders---also wants information of the location of the Ills Regiments