J. G. D. Pettyjohn to Richard Yates

Treasury Department, Third Auditor's Office, 15th of Nov. 1864

Dear Gov. I was disappointed in not being able to meet with you in my recent visit to Ill,s I was near on your track several times but so active was your movements I was not able to "flank you at any time.

Let me congratulate you on the glorious position now enjoyed by our own Noble State, and to the Executive as much as to any other cause is this result to be credited. Our State and National victories are almost more than we are able to endure and live, some of the fathers or leaders are now almost ready to adopt the language of good old Simeon and say "now Lord lettest thou thy servant depart in peace &c"

Gov. I wrote you some time [illegible] asking the favor of an endorsement or recommendation from you to aid me in obtaining an

appointment of ampler compensation and better adapted to my taste inclinations and abilities ("Revenue Agent") Five of whom are to be appointed soon I learned you had probably endorsed a Mr Clark (I believe is the name) for the same and if so I supposed that the reason of your silence. Now I would not insult your sense of propriety and honor by asking anything that would stultify or be inconsistent with any other recommenation you may have made but may I not ask still an endorsement of ability competency worth &c for this or some other similar place from you Suppose you say something like the following

To whom it may concern leaving the name of the Secy blank and merely give me a recommendation as to competency & merit for I am anxious for such a paper from you as you are still our Gov. and we have no Member in the House and your silence I cannot so well explain and I know you are willing to aid me when able to do so consistently

Or I would also suggest whether you might not give me a regular endorsement for "Revenue Agent" and preface your recommenda tion by saying that this recommendation is in no way to detract from or interfere with what you may have previously said in favor of blank.

In either of the ways [illegible] I hope you will favor me in the [illegible] desired

Please let me hear from you at the earliest day convenient with your other duties.

Believe me as ever Your Most Obt. Svt. J. G. D. Pettyjohn

P. S. Look out one of our Big men have gone to Illinois to "log roll" for our friend W for the Senate Yours P

Pettyjohn J. G. D.

3rd Auditors office Nov 15/64

Is sorry he was not able to meet the Govr while in Ills. Congratulate him on the result of election &c Calls his attention to an application which he sent for his endorse ment for appt. as Revenue Agent. Would like him to endorse it if consistent.

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