G. W. Rives to Richard Yates

Paris, Ills. Sept. 9th 1861

Gov. Yates

Springfield

Ills.

Sir. Enclosed find recommendation tor Capt. Wm. D. Blackburn. It speaks for its self He is a No. one man & fills the bill -

I am now out on the open Sea, fiting the Rebels of this County - We on Saturday made our ticket, and in order to Save the Union party - we made a ticket of all Union Democrats - I yielded up "My place" like a man, to beat the Damn rebles, We can now lick them -

Mr. S. P. Read is our Candidate for the Convention. He is right on all the questions especially on the Distsricting that we Secured. Now you see that I have declined to Save the County - & make a Shure thing of it -

Now Sir - I do most ardently desire some little patronage from you. I recd your letter a few weeks Since, Saying that you had placed my name on your list of applicants. Now Govr - I hope you will not forget me, we have fought shoulder to shoulder for 15 years, & you can now help me in this my time of need

! Is there no place in some of these Reg.ts. thta you can give me, Comisary, qr. Master, or something else - I know that you desire to assist me if in your power & that you are bored to death with such epistles - I cant do that ! Can I rely upon anything with Certainty - You can advise me of this fact at once & that settles the question. I would not have asked for anything if I had of taken the risk of this County, in this Election, but to Save the county & Secure the delegate to the convention I give up my chance,

Now, My Dear Sir, if you can Consistantly give me Some nice place - I shall be under and lasting obligation to you. I await your reply -

I am with Respt

Yours

G. W. Rives

P.S. I will make one suggestion - ! Can you give a Gr. Master de Comisary position, Can it be in the regt into which Capt B Co. goes -

Rives