Josiah Sawyer to Richard Yates

With Jas. Berdan letter 5/18/63

Honourable Richard Yates

Governor of the State of Illinois

Dear Sir.

A B Sawyer the bearer of this is my son, who has been started out upon a rather unpleasant duty, as he has been designated as the proper person to carry out the wishes of both political parties of this town of which he is a resident, from the fact of his taking no part in political discusions whatever. One of the citizens of Pekin started out for Kansas a few weeks since, for the purpose of perfecting some land titles, was followed by a United States detective, and arrested and now is in Leavenworth City a prisoner This person is Daniel P Bailey an atterney at law. Mr Bailey I believe to be a truely loyal Citizen in every sense of the word

Whatever aid you can give my son in the discharge of this unpleasant duty, in your official capacity will duly receprocected

By your humble Sirvant

Josiah Sawyer

Pekin May 18, 1863

Disposed of

Josiah Sawyer

File "S"

Pekin Ills May 18th 1863

Introducing his son who has been designated by the citizens of that place to go to Leavenworth City to secure the release of Saml P Bailey who has been unjustly arrested for disloyalty. Wishes the Governor to aid him. Enclosed letter from James Berdan of Jacksonville.

Recd Ex O. May 19th 1863