A. C. Weid to Richard Yates

New Orleans 25th June 1863 His Excelency Gov Yates Springfield Ill Dear Sir

The good people of Illinois having passed sentance of condemnation on you Pres Lincoln and his administration foreshadowing the fact that your and his days are numbered. As a reward for the good you have done for the cause, believing that you have perhaps more influence with Pres Lincoln than any other, I am autherised by Messrs B H & A J Butler to give you one hundred thousand Dollars to have bestowed to his former position in this department Major Genl B. J. Butler We will further agree to purchase for you at a nominal price one of the finest sugar Estates in Louisiana if you find it will be desirable to move your residence from the land of Copperheads to this beautiful climate to spend your winters near one of our places amidst the orange groves - please let me hear from you at once. with great respect your obt servt A. C. Weid Successor to A I Butler brother in Law [illegible] of common area illegible] illegible]

As a reward for the good the Governor has done for the cause - and believing he has more influence with the President than any one else - he is authorized by Messr B H & A J Butler to give one Hundred thousand Dollars. To have Major Genl Butler restored to the command of that Department. &c &c.

Recd ExO July 7 1863