William B. Plato to Richard Yates

Geneva, March 2 1861

Hon Richard Yates

Gov &c Dear Sir: yours of the 27th ult informing me of my appointment as one of the Coms of the penitentiary came to hand when I was quite ill and unable to answer. I now take the earliest opportunity to thank you for your kind consideration and also to say that I must decline the appointment. there are many reasons for this, but the principal one is, I do not think I have the practical knowledge of the subject matters that one should have who is charged with the responsibility of disbursing such large sums of money

the short experience I had on the Commission convinced me that thousands of dollars could be easily lost to the State by the action of shrewd and ingenious contractors and careless or ignorant Comrs and I confess I do not feel willing to take that responsibility I am very well now or perhaps I should write you more at length. again thanking you

I remain your true Friend

William B. Plato

P.S. If the Republican party is to go over to the enemy try and save a place for us to start again

W B Plato

Geneva

Mch 2d/61

Returning thanks, but declining the appointment as one of the Coms of the Penitentiary

W B Plato

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