Richard Yates to John R. Woods

State of Illinois Executive Department Springfield Feby 3, 1864

Col Wood

I wish for the present that you would appoint Swan - I know him well & that he is the man - if he does not accept (as I fear he will not) we can try Crawford--Forrest was appointed without any pay supposing as I did and still believe that the cases of need were few and I knew that Swan & other Ilinoisians had got up an association to take care of them--Of course I do not reflect on Crawford--

I expect he is a first rate man & would prefer that you treat this communication as confidential--Swan has done a great deal for those who have been there--I did not expect Forrest to do any thing scarcely-

Show to Gen Fuller Truly Yours Rich Yates

P. S. I have been annoyed a great deal by letters from Washington--seeking agencies but I have known that there were 150 places where they were more needed, but as other states have agts at Washington and brag over us--and as there are occasionally cases there I had decided to appoint Swan-

-He (Swan) is a highly moral and good man.

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