Ira Wilkinson to Richard Yates

Rock Island Ill April 11, 1863

Dear Governor

I had the honor to receive your form mailed at Philadelphia tending to me the appointment of [Council?] to Canada under the first resolution of the late legislature and I should have replied at once returning my thanks for the honor but for your absence from the State.

After waiting a time for your return I had reason to hope that I should have the pleasure of seeing you in person about this time, and therefore my writing.

Within a day or two of the receipt of your letter I recd from Lt Gov Hoffman a [communiform?} for the position named and had at the same time letters from Mr [Oyders?] one of the Council satisfying me that it was proposed by the other Council to be in Chicago on the 18th of March, in discharge of the duties of the [illegible]. My official duties here rendered it impossible for me to be [about?] at that time and I was therefore under the necessity of declining the appointment , which I, at once, did by a note to Lt Gov Hoffman in order that my place on the council might not remain vacant. An appointment without solicitation to a position an honorable as it [would?] have been agreeable, so handsomely and flatteringly tendered[had?] by one who has always [illegible] first and foremost in my regards is I assure you Governor an honor which I most gratefully appreciate and for which I beg to tender to you my sincere thanks. It was a matter of regret which was that I care & not accept the position and afraid in the discharge of its duties, but you will readily realize the validity of my reasons for its declination.

Should the legislature meet again in June and perhaps whether it does or not, I may have the pleasure of meeting you and conferring more fully upon this or with [illegible]some other matters

I am [illegible][illegible]very truly

Your friend Ira Wilkinson

His Excl. Governor Yates.

Ira A Wilkinson Rock Island April 11 1863

Had the honor to receive from the Governor his letter mailed at Philadelphia tendering him the appointment of Commissioner to Canada - regrets that he could not accept - an honor which he appreciates and tenders his sincere thanks. Hopes to have the pleasure of meeting him in June.

File

Recd ExO. April 2th 1863.