James M. Allan to Richard Yates

Provost Marshal's Office, Fifth District Illinois. Peoria, Jan 24th 1865

Hon. Richard Yates Washington Sir: I have the honor to call your attention to some facts connected with this Office to an infamous outrage committed against myself as Provost Marshal, and to the fact that all other Officials of the US Government in this District are liable to similar troubles. The Political Weathercocks, a clique of audacious unprincipled demagogues who came into our party long after it became a power in the land, have been trying for months past to kill off this humble individual - they have petitioned repeatedly the Provost Marshal General and the State [illegible] Colonel Oakes. They succeeded last fall in getting an investigation into the conduct of this Office which resulted to their discomfort

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2 An event wholly disconnected with the business of this Office, which transpired in Peoria recently, very much to the chagrin of these fellows who go for whoever promises most, was the occassion of their making another onslaught on this old soldier after great war for freedom who has laboured long years [illegible] pay - hope of [promise? permission?] thereof. They have succeeded through the personal influence of Ingersoll M C in getting me "suspended awaiting investigation." Nothing whatever has occured since the investigation last fall, that furnishes the least ground for complaint against me. Mr. [illegible] Fry telegraphed to Col Oakes last Wednesday or Thursday, directing him to send some one to take my place & this is all I know of the case at this writting. The question arises - Are all holding Government offices in this District subject to the whims, caprices and vengeance of this political charlatain Ingersoll M C. Will this Government - the honored administration of Mr. Lincoln permit a man who came into the

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3 into the party in 1862 on the express promise of being candidate for Congress at large to rule with such despotic power the intents of this Districtship. You will call Mr. Lincoln's attention to these matters.

[illegible] wants [the Post?] officers of Peoria and has abused Mr. Lincoln without [stint?] for not giving it to him. Bob [illegible] a very recent convert to our cause wants Congress at large, District Attorneyship, Consul, or something else. Has Clark wants the Office of Collector for this District. These are the [illegible] spirits of the Clique. Clark is a bitter opponent of Mr. Lincoln calls him a "good for nothing imbecile" You know the man better than I can tell you. Shall they be permitted to run riot with the feelings reputation and intents of good men.

I am most respectfully Your Servant Jas M Allan

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Peoria, Illinois, Jan 24th 1865 ALLAN, JAS. M., Capt. and Provost Marshal, Fifth District of Illinois