W. S. Post to Richard Yates

Duquoin, Perry Co., Illinois Feb. 12th 1864.

Hon. Richard Yates, Governor of Illinois,

Sir: While you present your Report on Enlistments to the People of Illinois "with the profoundest satisfaction," We the Loyal people feel that much is due to our worthy Governor for saving our State from the Draft. I well remember, Sir, how curses loud & long in Egypt were heaped upon your head when this war commenced because, forsooth, you were sending soldiers to Cairo "to stir up strife & cause bloodshed." Many of the same men that thus denounced you are now loud & long in commendation & praise of our patriotic Governor. While Some others of them are filling the honored graves of patriots---heroes & martyrs in the grand & awful strife.

To your Excellency, first of all; then to Gen. Logan all we loyal Egyptians profoundly grateful for your efforts in Saving us from the horrors of civil war. Nor will we be unmindful of the illustrious dead--Gen. Lyon & Senator Douglass! But to you who were "first in this war" & who will be "first in peace," if

God spare your life, as well as "first in the hearts of your countrymen"---to your Excellency, I repeat, we feel under deep & lasting obligations for saving our homes in South Illinois from ruin & desolation! Had the rebels & traitors at Camp Jackson succeeded in getting possession of rolling stock on the Ohio & Miss. R. R.---had the enemies of our country commanded the Ohio river---had their troops been stationed at Cairo, we who were loyal would have been compelled to leave our homes & escape for our lives! I saw the storm gathering & trembled for the result. Yet I took my stand boldly & fearlessly & "all was right" in the end. History will present these matters in a proper light to an admiring world!! Gen. Logan--never a rebel sympathiser---has now an honorable fame of which any soldier might well feel proud. His few first speeches on the war will be redeemed by his giant efforts at home & his superhuman exertions in the field to save our country. While we will cherish the memory of the heroic dead---Douglass & Lyon---in our heart of hearts. But your masterly State Papers with your patriotic & earnest appeals to the People are "On Fame's eternall, beadroll worthie to be fyled." These Papers while "stumping" Egypt, first for the war, & now for

recruits, I have quoted & read all over South Illinois. We feel not only proud of our Governor, but we are truly thankful to you for your Sleepless vigilance & untiring labors in the righteous cause of our nation & the rights of mankind. I am well aware, Sir, that you are pressed with cares, & responsibilities, but can you not send me a few words of encouragement & cheer, that, on my return, I may read to the 81st Regiment? The heroes of Thompson's Hill, Raymond, Jackson, Champion Hills & Vicksburg will rejoice to hear direct from their Governor: while the words would inspirit & arouse the new recruits we are sending to the Regiment. I want to do all in my power to instil lofty patriotism & heroic endurance among the members of my Regiment. I am exceedingly anxious that the 81st Regiment should still continue to enjoy a fair & honorable record---a record of which not only Egyptians but all Illinoisans may, also, feel proud. I believe the example of Dollins, Hammaok, Farmer, Warnock, Lippincott, Ward, & a host of other heroes & martyrs will not be lost upon the 81st Illinois Infantry. I am, Sir, Your obt, Servt--W. S. Post. Chaplain, 81st Illinois

Post Wm S. DuQuoin Feby 12 64,

Complimentary letter. Wishes Governor to send him a few lines that he may read to his regt. &c &c -

Sent Message as directed Feby 16 1864 JM Snyder aid de c

get up proper lettrs

Return - Send him 1/2 Doz copies of Proclamation in [package] Executive Office Febry 1864