Thomas Y. McCulloh to Richard Yates

Peoria Sept 6 1861

To His Excellency

Richard Yates

Dear Sir

My partner in business Mr Jonathan Hancock who will hand you this, goes to Springfield to see you in relation to an application he desires to make for a situation as Quartermaster of a Brigade, with the rank of Major.

You will probably remember me, as among the unfortunate applicants for office under our friend Mr Lincoln. I thank you sincerely for your kind recommendation and I only regret that Mr Lincoln did not appreciate the services I was vain enough to imagine I had rendered the party - but so be it. Disappointment has only made me a more faithful

and enthusiastic supporter of our Cause under the firm conviction that merit will find its reward sooner or later.

I profess to have some little claim on your confidence from the fact that I was one of a few here who advocated your nomination at Decatur in spite of the influence of a certain paper and its friends in favor of Judd.

Now I have been an active politician for many years and it is the first time in my life I have desired any other position in the ranks than that of 'high private'. Judge then my disappointment when I discovered that Mr Lincoln refused to honor my application to be appointed Agent for the Sioux Indians. I have come to the conclusion that politics are mighty uncertain - but to the subject of my letter.

Mr Hancock has always

been a hard working Republican and is eminently worthy of your confidence.

Any service you can render him in the matter of his application will be very gratefully remembered by your friends here.

He will accept this or any other office that would remunerate him for his services.

I have assured him that in my opinion, with the recommendation of Judge Kellogg which he will show you, he will have no difficulty in secure your influence and cordial cooperation in relation to his position whatever it may be. I hope his visit to Springfield will not prove a failure.

If you have any appointments to make in this portion of the State remember "I still live "

Very truly your friend

Thos Y. McCulloh

Recommendation

John Hancock

Peoria

Letter given him recommending to Lincoln