John Cochran to Richard Yates

Anna Ills Sept 30th 1861

Hon Richard Yates

Dear Sir

please pardon me for this communication my self and son furnished a small lot of Lumber for the purpose of building shanties for our troops at this place Mr Webster said the money would be ready as soon as the lumber was delivered but owing to some disappointment in obtaining funds he left without paying for the lumber he was here some time after and recd power of attorney to collect for several of our citizens he said he woul forward the money or vouchers but we have never heared from him upon that subject since

I do not know who to write to upon the subject nor do I know where Mr Webster lives

I know the whole matter is to some extent under your controll you would confere a favor upon many others as well as your old friend by writing me upon the subject and making some arriangements for us to get our pay I have written to Gen McClernand and Col Logan to know if they could give me any imployment in the army and take this opportunity of asking your assistance I have no claims upon you more than any other one of your personal friends have, but I am sure you could not confere a favor upon a more sincere and devoted personal frind and I always found you willing to help me when I called on you

in gone by days

I have been nursing a sick family near three years and compelled to stay at home near all my time and could not have joined the army if I had been ever so anxious and able. I am too old to carry a musket and not well enough acquainted with tacticks to command a company without more tim than I would now have to learn. My pecuniary circumstances are bad enough to make any man uneasy at home and if I can do any thing towards saving my country from ruin old as I am I would be happy to do so at any risk; if you could get me a place as assistant commissary or put [me at?] any thing I could do I would be very thankful I have recently lost my wife and have but little to comfort me at home

Please let me hear from you and oblige your obt servant and sincere friend

John Cochran

PS Enclosed please find a token to our old friend John A McClernand please forward and oblige yours. J. C

Jno Cochran

Anna

Wants to get pay for Lumber &c.