T. A. Post to Richard Yates

                  Washington City Nov, 17th/64

Dear Friend

               You were good enough to have a letter sent to Judge Holt in reference to my recent difficulty, asking that justice might be done me.  I am satisfied you will rejoice with me to learn that upon the testimony I am vindicated from all blame at Washington, & My good name rescued from disgrace.

    Immediately upon arriving here I reported under orders to the Bureau of Military Justice, to Judge Holt.  I ought to mention before going further that I had received orders from the Secretary of War, disapproving of Rosecrans Order of Dismissal & calling me to Washington.  I learned in the course of my interview with Judge Holt, that he had himself examined the evidence & vindicated me from all blame, in his Report upon the case.  He told me he was happy to see that I had so completely vindicated myself from blame by the evidence.  He, also made the remark

which I may perhaps seem to savor of egotism in repeating, that he never had a case come up before him, in which so many & high testimonials had been produced. During an interview with the President he told me that it did not take him long to see that no blame attached to me in the transaction. It appears that Loudens mother came all the way to Washington, & got a personal interview, with Mr Lincoln in reference to her son, & by her entreaties so wrought upon him, that he took pains to examine personally over 300 pages of evidence; & found it so overwhelming against Louden that he refused to intervene. Rosecrans also himself I am told interceded in his behalf, but to no purpose. Notwithstanding all this & notwithstanding peremptory orders from the War Department to have him executed, this Order was "suspended until further Orders," & Louden placed under an inexperienced Officer, & under guard to be conveyed to Alton Prison. For what reason was this done? This question is asked me here; but I can give no explanation There is a mystery about all this which I

cannot fathom. There are very dark suspicions in reference to the matter here. I am now waiting here per instructions. Major Eaton, Judge Advocate of the Department of War, has been ordered here to give his testimony, and Secretary Stanton, thinks he may want to see me personally after talking with Major Eaton.

   I hope to get away from here in the course of a few days.  Allow me in closing to express only My sincere & heartfelt gratitude for Your kindly & timely intervention in my behalf.  It is due to the influence of my friends no doubt, that my case has secured such careful & candid consideration.

                   Believe me Governor

                         With great respect

                             Your sincere friend

                                    T. A. Post

Gov. Rich'd Yates

Springfield Illinois

Post. Capt. T A

Washington Nov 17th64

Returns his thanks for Govr's efforts in his behalf

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