William M. Daily to Richard Yates

Benton Barracks St. Louis, Missouri August 15th, 1865 My Honored Friend: Now is the time for you to remember your devoted friend. I am just now honorably mustered out of the service of the U.S. as Hospital Chaplain by order of the Secretary of War. And now I must have a place from President Johnson who is my friend and acquaintance. I now appeal to you for a promised favor. I want you to write for me the warmest and strongest kind of a letter to President Andrew Johnson urging him by all means as a special favor to you, as well as to me, to give me an appointment as Chaplain in the Regular US Army or something better- and sign it officially as U.S. Senator from Illinois.

And send it to me by mail immediately, directed thus Rev [illegible] M. Daily, D.D. Indianapolis Indiana- Please do it immediately as I am going from here this week to Indianapolis Ind. to see our mutual friend Gov. [Morton?] and will spend some days there getting his help [illegible]. Write the strongest letter to the President you can and urge my appointment as you so well know how to do- and enclose the letter to me at Indianapolis, Indiana immediately, that I may take it on in person. I have the honor to be, Most Respectfully, Your Obt. Servant William M Daily Late Hospital Chaplain U.S Army

Hon. R. Yates, U.S. Senator Jacksonville, Ill.