J. Peters to Richard Yates

Danville Ills. May 23rd 1865

Hon. Richard Yates Dr Sir

I this morning rec'd commission & other papers from you as asst. q.m. also your note of the 20th inst. in which you say if I desire it you will write to Mr. Stanton as to whether if I fill [bond?] & [qualify?] I shall be retained among the last. please write to him immediately & learn that fact if I am not to be retained it is hardly worth while to go to the trouble necessary in fixing out the papers. for my dismissal may come as soon or even before papers consumated but if I can be retained amongst the last discharged

I of course would be verry glad & will be under renewed obligations to you if you can so arrange it for me please write to Mr Stanton at once & I will wait your reply and if retained I will fill up the necessary papers & forward them [instanter?] you can I presume find out at least how long I would probably be retained in office Long enough to justify me in accepting the office I want to get into some business that I can get out of an office closely confined as my health is still poor I shall wait an answer from you with a great deal of anxiety

Verry respectfully your friend J Peters

J. Peters May 24. 65. Wrote Sec of War asking extension of time.