John R. Woods to Richard Yates

With John R. Woods letter 5/12/65 with printed circular headed "Claim Dept. of Ill. State San. Commission for benefit widows and orphans" With [?] O of O.F. (Office of M. W. Grand Master of Grand Lodge of Illinois 3/27/65

Illinois State Sanitary Commission Claim Department Springfield, May 6th, 1865

Hon Richard Yates

Jacksonville Ills

Dear Governor

When I saw Mrs Yates and Yourself in your carriage last week I little thought that your visit here was to end so soon, else I would have made an extra effort to avail myself of your kind invitation to call at your hotel. Hoping however to be in your city at an early day, if possible, it will afford me great pleasure to look in upon your domestic [illegible] in your own home.

Being very sure that you never read either of my Reports I take the liberty of sending for your acceptance a bound vol. containing both supposing that now, in your hours of comparative leisure, when you are so disposed, you could better [bethrow?] a minute or two in look over them.

Of the first report one of the most intelligent and widely know Sanitary Women in the field, has been pleased tosay that it is "the best Report which has yet emanated fromany Sanitary Organization". The second she has not seen.

I have heard many expressions of surprise, that Gov Yates in his last Annual message so totally ignored the person who prepared that document and gave credit to those who never wrote a line of it. I told them that I was going to submit in silence, hoping that my reward would yet come.

Yours faithfully and truly

John R. Woods

Col. J. R. Woods May 6, 1865 Ans'd explaining omission had intended to confer with him & omitted for that purpose and then I did not see proof