James D. Kilpatrick to Richard Yates

With J.L. Tincher letter 7/11/65

Jacksonville July 12/65

Gov. Yates:

Enclosed you will find a letter from Judge J. Peters, endorsed by John L. Tincher, urging you to use your influence in getting me the appointment of Postmaster at Danville.

I came up to see you, in person, and they left it to me to tell you why they wanted the change. The citizens want a change in the office, and although I have not circulated a Petition yet, I have the assurance of all the leading business men and county officers that they will sign it.

Mr. Kingsbury, the present incumbent, does not attend to the office at all, being absent for weeks at a time, leaving the entire control of the office to a fellow who was imported from Indiana, about the time the "draft" was to take effect there.

The Judge wanted me to apologize for the appearance of his letter. He has been quite sick.

Governor, I expect you know better what I want than I do myself. Will you please drop me a line telling me what to do?

Will your recommendation to the Dep't be sufficient, or will Mr. Bromwell have to be consulted?

I have a poor chance to write here, and will have to ask you to excuse this scrawl.

If I am successful in the application I will faithfully perform the duties, and then I will give employment to an old Soldier who has served 16 months in Rebel prison pens.

Governor, please write me a note telling me just what to do. I can get up the Petition at any time and send to you if necessary.

Allow me to congratulate you on your Elgin oration. If that is printed in phamplet (sic) form I want some of them.

Hoping to hear from you soon I remain

Your friend James D. Kilpatrick