H. T. Foster to Richard Yates

        Beardstown Ill Aug 27 1864

Hon. Richard Yates

Govenor of Illinois

         Dear Sir,

           I desire to call your attention to the fact that in the preliminaries for a draft there is no arrangements for a division of this city and precinct to be drawn by wards - I learn that Capt westlake says it is now to late to do this - - If the division is not made the draft will bear unjustly on the wards that have already furnished a large proportion of the men already enlisted and besides it will work injuriously

to our political interests one ward in our city containing the largest number of voters has a large Copperhead majority - and has (as you may infer) furnished but few men. These Copperheads remain at home and ought to be compelled to bear at least some portion of the burdens of the war. This cannot be without the draft (illegible) is made by wards.

  A Petition will go up to Col Oakes. this morning to have this matter so Ordered  will you please see to it that the right of Loyal citizens may be protected and that justice in part may be meeted out to some of these copperheads.

            Yours Respectfully

                                   H. T. Foster

Foster H.T.

Beardstown Ills.

August 27th 1864.

Says that the town in making arrangements for the Draft. was not devided in wards So that the Dfs will fall unjustly on Union men. Appeals to Governor for protection of the rights of Union men.

Answered as directed Sept 9th 1864

           Snyder added

Send this to Gen Fuller