Ira A. W. Buck to Richard Yates

Illinois State Penitentiary COMMISSIONERS OFFICE Joliet July 14th 1864

Dear Governor

Yours enclosing photographs was received yesterday, for which accept my thanks.

I never yet asked you to do anything that I did not beleive was clearly right. and so far I beleive has resulted for good. In this Joslyn matter, I but reflected the public opinion of Kane County, And I do assure you, that I have had a great deal of trouble in satisfying the community in the commissioning him for any office in the Regt.

Now I cannot be charged with having any personal preferences for Col Bronson, for I never have seen him in my life. I only felt with Hundreds of others that Joslyn was entirely unfit to have charge of a Regiment.

That he was an unmitigated Copperhead and had been disgracefully dismissed from the 36th Regt of Ills; Vols; for which see Genl Fullers report. I can readily understand why the men you mention were so strong for him Genl Fuller is under obligations to the Joslyn family, and all of his friends of course came to the rescue. But public opinion sustains you in thus gallantly refusing to make him Col.

Now in relation to the other portion of your letter in regard to the Senatorship, Now I have never yet been truthfully charged with deserting my friends

And in your case it would be the largest ingratitude on my part. You are entitled from me all of my efforts and influence to place you in that position. And God knows it will be cheerfully given. The Senator from my District Mr Allen is right all the time the members from Kane Kendall, DeKalb & Dupage will be of my stripe

I shall try and be in Springfield before long when I trust that all will be well. The month of August is a trying one upon me. I have every year during the month of August what is termed Hay Fever or Hay Asthma, which confines me to the house for four or five weeks. As soon as this is over, will come down. Do not fear that I shall leave a thing undone that is in my power to do in your case, for it is a work of esteem and respect on my part.

Truly yours &

Ira A W Buck

Private & Senatorial

Buck Ira A W

Joliet July 14th 1864

Has recd photograph &c

Private

file (Senatorial)