George W. Rives to Richard Yates

                                                                        U.S. Assessor's Office,
                                                                            7th District,
                          Paris, Ills.,      May 6,                     1864

Gov. Yates,

        Springfield
               Ills.

             I this day received a letter from Henry, saying that he had just seen the Call for "100 days.  Men & o  and expressed a desire, that he Should be regarded as desiring the Command of one of his Regts- if it was not Contrary to the programme of officering said Regts- Not that he was dissatisfied with his present position, or his Regt, or officers, that he expressed such a wish, but in consequences of the 79. being so reduced in numbers, he feared a Consolidation, That he had had applied through you to the 

War Department for orders to remit, & up to this day No permission is given.

he fears that some plan may be devised to bring about a Consolidation & by that means, he will be thrown out of the Service which he does not wish_

 He thinks that at the end of the 100, days Service, an opportunity will be offered the Regts. to go in for a longer term. This is his reasoning_ & object for asking such a Command.  He does not wish to leave the Service by Consolidation or any other way, till this war is over.
   I now have given you his reasons as he presented to me, you see his object_ If you can grant the request, or think it best, to do so, let it be done, if it is safest & best for him to remain in his present "(posislo?)" let it be so_  I admit I do not Know what is best.  I leave it with you Knowing you will do

for the best_ Now, for another piece of news___

          We have finally fixed up on our Candidate for the Legislature, S.S. Spink, Editor of the "Beacon" of this place & he is for Dick, Yates, first, last, & all the time, for U.S. Senate__  It is all done in good feeling & Certain to Elect, as Eagor, Coles, Douglas & Vermillion, all vote on joint tickets & Elect. 3_  
         Let me hear from you touching this request of Henry.
                                                           
                                                            Your Friend,
                                                              G.W Rives

  Rives G.W.

Pan's May 6 1864

Has received a letter from "Henry" who is anxious to command one of the 100 days regiments, Says the 79th is so reduced that it will probably be consolidated, wishes gov to do as he thinks best_

They have finally fired upon S S Spink Ed-"Beacon" for Legislature.  he is Yates man all over & c & c__

Write him fully send P.& O__. I suggest that. I think he better hold on answered very fully May 9 64

                         Soomis
                           Aple.