Lucas to Richard Yates

Point Lookout, Maryland

June 17. 1863

Dear Yates

Some two or three weeks past I wrote a few lines to Col. Wm Butler state Treasurer, that in the event of a change in the Commissary at Springfield, I would like to be ordered to that post. The reasons upon which I based my letter to Butler grew out of an accidental meeting with some Illinois friends whilst I was on an Official visit at Washington about the date of my letter to Col. B. who informed me that it was not unlikely that Capt A. Edwards, C. S. would either be Sent to some other post or into the field &c. and it was further suggested that, I would most likely be acceptible not only to our party friends but to the people generally.

It would please me beyond expression if I could once more be located amongst my dear friends and fellow citizens of Illinois. I claim no other place than Jacksonville as my home, My last vote having been cast there with Dick Yates and

Lincoln as file leaders, and that too after the question was raised as to my right to vote in conseqences of absence. I presume that issue being settled by Loco foco judges it would not be raised again, as I was then and have been ever since in the servise of the U. States. Should Capt E. be ordered to other fields and I could be apprised of the fact in time and that I would be acceptable I might make some exertion to get ordered to Springfield.

I have no complaints to make as to my present pass---it is probably not excelled in many respects. Situated on the sea side where the wild waves brake at my feet---in constant view of all manner of shipping---oysters, fish, crabs, hard or soft, clams, lobsters, and wild fowl in great abundance always at hand. Again, the salt water bathing is certainly a great luxury and conducive to health. Cape Lookout was a watering place, and was a most fashionable resort for the invalid and the pleasure seeking previous to the rebellion. The Govt took possession about a year ago as a military post together with all the beautiful cottages---one of which I occupy (a "cottage by the sea") with all the furniture, most of them owned by rebels. I think I will buy two

one for you of course. My wife and daughter are with me and enjoy themselves very much. Most of the officers have their families with them and their ladies and children have a great time bathing in the surf---can wade out a long distance and no undertow---hard sandy bottom. many of the women look like fence rails on emerging from the water as they run all dripping to their quarters. I have many hearty laughs at them. I wish that you and your family could be here to enjoy the sea bathing. Tell "uncle Jessie" that it would take all the kinks out of him in a short time. in one week after free ablutions in the healing qualities of the salt bath he might be dangerous amongst the sea nympths so plentiful along this coast, more especially if he partook freely of the luxuries we fish from the water.

We are expecting bloody work every hour---all the morning I have heard heavy cannading. It may be at Norfolk or vicinity, or Richmond, or Acqua Creek or somewhere else. But, "conquer we must for our cause it is just---let this be our motto, and in God be our trust"

I congratulate and applaud you for your

for the course you took with the contemptible and dastardly traitors in our legislature. And here allow me to say that, your administration as far as I have been able to watch it, meets with the hearty and unqualified approval of one of your obscure and wandering constituents

My kind regards to Mrs. Y. and my friends generally. It would gratify me very much to hear from you by letter

Your friend

Lucas

Hon R. Yates

Gov. of Illinois

Springfield

Lucas