John Cook to Richard Yates

Head Quarters District of Illinois Springfield, Ill, June 23rd, 1865 Hon Rich. Yates U.S. Senator Dear Gov. Col. R.F. Smith of the 16th Ills. Infy. Vol. personally known to you and the Senior Colonel of Illinois and all Western Troops had reached here upon leave based upon Surgeons Certificate. his friends are making strenuous efforts to secure his promotion. This would doubtless have been conferred upon him long since but for the destruction (of the letters of recommendation tendered him by his comdg officers with whom he has served) by Genl. Fuller. These letters have been "pidgeon-hold" and have but just been [resurrected?].

I write you at his request, knowing him as well

as you do to obtain from you a commendatory letter to the Hon Secy of War earnestly requesting his promotion. The Col. has been on duty in the field since 1861 and has during almost the entire interval to the present been in command of a Brigade and is regarded by his superiors with whom he has served as a brave, efficient, & competent officer justly deserving the highest consideration of the War Department. I do hope you may regard the Col. in the highest degree worthy of the promotion his friends so earnestly apply for. The col will remain here a few days and await your pleasure in this regard.

With kindest regards

I have thy honor to be

your very obt. srvt.

John Cook

Gen Cook for Col. R. F. Smith

July 18, 1865 - Sent the letter of recommendation requested.