Ben F. Irwin to Richard Yates

Pleasant Plains Ills Sept 20 61

Gov Yates there is one Patrick M Carter of this place who I am reliably Informed is and has been working for office as I understand Paymaster in the army and is like to succeed who is aiding him I do not know But I wish to notify in advance he is as good a Secessionist as South Carolina holds he argues right to me that the right of Secession is in the Constitution and the Decleration of Independence Both though he of Course says he is a union man But swears he wont fight for it against Rebellion you knew me well when you &c as candidate for Congress and Gov Both Since you have had favors to bestow you dont know me though I devoted all my time talent and energy for you and if you ever suffer P M Carter to get in to office with his Secession Proclifities I will have to take Responsibilities on myself and dispose of him by Declaring his Post vacant somehow Doctor J L Million a half Breed Secession is in office at Jacksonville I dont know who is responsible for it but who ever is ought to be rid on the rail

Respectfuly

Ben F. Irwin

Gov I am not or dont wish to be understood as complaining but I wish you to not know P M Carter Ben

Ben F. Irwin.

Pleasant Plain

Describing Pat M Carter as a Secessionist

Enter & File