John R. Lockwood to Richard Yates

Natches June 7th 1865

Hon Richard Yates

Sir

You will Excuse my negligence in not acknowledging the Rest of your very kind letter of introduction to Brig. Gnl Brogman last Sept. I have no Excuse to make Except that my time has been very much occupied. and allow me at this late date to congratulate you upon your Election to the United States Senate. I can assure you nothing could have given me more satisfaction than your Elevation to that dignified position.

Now that this unholy Rebellion has been crushed out and the people of the North as well as of the South are anxiously looking forward for a restoration of civil law, the question [illegible] what shall be done? in my opinion the people of this State are not in a condition to set the wheels of civil Govt in motion. Should Govt allow them to do as they have done in Virginia, if it were a possible thing, the result would Even be more disastrous, for I can assure you Gov. after a residence of nearly two years in this state, I do not believe there is ----

one truly loyal man (an old resident) in the State. They are [Submissiontz ?] and are willing to be reconstructed provided they can do it themselves by Electing their own State offices. Should they have that privilige no Northern man could stay down here with comfort or safety to himself or family. The peoples want to be Educated in the principles and Science of a free State Govnmt.

Thus how is that to be done? I say Establish a Provisional Govnmt. Appoint a Civillian as Governor, only using the military so far as it may be nessusary to Enforce the laws. Just Save us from a Milatery appointment. and particularly from one who is now making strenuous Efforts in that direction and who is using the influence of his position through a few Lackeys and [illegible] in draggoning the Northern people who are here to sign papers recommending him for that position; a man whose whole sympathy and activity have been with the [Sacesh?] citizens since he had had command here and who does not hesitate to tell them that he is "a Southern Man" I mean Brevet (of a very late date) "Maj Gnl. Davidson" ----

He claims to have your influence in his favor. I hope it is a mistake; Milatery Law as well as men are naturaly despotic we have had So much of it during this war we are heartily tired of it. and therefore I hope in mercy that no Milatery man will be appointed to that position, but that some good strong Loyal Civillian who has none of the old levers of Slavry or Chivalry in this composition may be the appointee.

We Northern men residing here feel a deep interest in the reorganization of this State. and hope to have a little to Say in these matters. We have organized a union league here and are laboring to give public opinion the proper shape. We therefore as our step in this direction, have sent on to Washington a recommendation in favor of "Capt L. W. [Peree" ?] Late A. B. M. of this post a resident of Chicago. for his appointment as [collector ?] of Internal Revenue. I can recommend him as being Entirly competent and [non cst ?] having served his country for the last three years or more in this War and therefore had claims which ought ----

to be respected.

Now Gov will you do me the favor as well as the Capt. to forward to Washington to the Sec of the Treasury a letter reccommending him to that position. if So you will confer a favor on the Loyal people as well as citizens in this city. Please present my regards to Mrs. Yates. as well as that of Mrs. Lockwoods. and believe me

Yours Very Truly

John Lockwood

John R. Lockwood

Natches Mifs --

July 18. 1865

Sent the

requested letter