Jacob H. Hicks to Richard Yates

Metropolis March 15th 1862

His Excellency

Richard Yates

Govr of the State of Ills.

Springfield Illinois

Hond Sir,

Permit one of the Humblest of your Excellencys Constituents to invite the attention of the Executive to the appointment of some person to fill the Station of prosecuting Attorney 19th Judicial Circuit made vacant by the death of the lamented Lieut Col Thomas H. Smith who fell while Defending his Country Flag at Fort Donelson. If I may presume so to do I would refer or recommend to the notice of your Excellency for that Station George W Neely Esqr of this place. I believe if Mr Neely should be fortunate enough to be appointed that that Gentleman would not only

Sustain himself well but the appointing power also. Mr (N) is sound Union man devoted to our good old Flag and to the Government handed down to us by our Revolutionary Fathers, and look upon Secession as (I do myself) as the damest heresy that ever entered the brain of man. I will add that when at any time the late Col Smith was called away he confided his legal business as states Atty to Mr Neely which fact of itself shows the very high estimate in which Mr (N) was held by that gentleman. If need be any further information or letter of Recommendation can conveniently be obtained touching Said appointment

I have the Honor to be

Yr. Excellencys Obd Servt

Jno B. Hicks

John B Hicks

Recommending Neeley

File

Pros Atty