Ira A. W. Buck to Richard Yates

Aurora July 30th 1864

Hon: Richd: Yates, Springfield Ills

Dear Governor

Having sold my interest at Joliet I am once more at home and out of business. I shall now have the balence of the season to devote to the canvass. I may possibly be in the next legislature as a representative. If I think I can do you more good as a member than I can on the outside, I will accept. At any rate will come to some conclusion in the course of the next two weeks. I will come to Springfield as soon as I can, As there is many things in connexion with the Penitentiary that I wish to see you about. Capt Pitman has resigned his situation as Warden and I suppose it will devolve upon you to appoint his successor.

Now from my experience in the Penitentiary I am

prepared to say, that no Contractor or Lesse ought to be the Warden. Some person ought to be between the convicts and the Lessee. Now Gilbert Simonds our late Deputy Warden is the only Man now that I could recommend as Warden. he is from the Massuchusets Prison and has had several years experience in managing convicts. As the legislature made Capt Pitman Warden and made no provision for his sucessor, I think you have the right to appoint whom you please. As the State pays nothing for the service and the lessee must pay the expense there may a question arise, I should be afraid of the consequences if Col Buskmaster is appointed. Eastman will be down the first of the week. At any rate I would not be in a hurry, appoint Simonds if you think you can

Truly Yours tc

Ira A W Buck

Buck Ira A W.

Aurora July 30th 1864

Has sold his interest at Joliet and will now be able to devote his time to the canvass. - may be in the next Legislature as Representative, if he can do more good than an outsider. Will come to Springfield soon, many things concerning Penitentary that he wishes to see about. Capt Pittman has resigned his situation as Warden - no contractor should be warden recommends Gilbert Simonds for position &c &c.

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