Hugh Gerrod to Richard Yates

Preston Randolph Co March 25th 1861 To the Governor of the State of Illinois, Dear Sir as Governors differ little from other men and therefore must have a desire to know what men think of them particurlarly that of their own citizen's and as the have no true means of knowing this except some one who has an oppertunity of knowing informs them, I take much pleasure in writing you on this subject, your inaugural adress clearly exibits the sentiments of your Republican citizens and I find it well thought of where I did not expect it I would have said well done when I read it but that you were engaged in business of the session,

My Dear Sir while I have Confidence in you that you perform your duty, that which in your own opinion is duty without hesitating to ask any one their opinion of it, yet it will be gratyfing to you to know that your esential principles and positions are that of a magority of citizens, it is believed that onerous duties are before you and I feel proud that you are equal to the task. My Dear Sir I am no [oiley?] Lower, my business is that of a [Low?] Miller, you may therefore depend on what I say, this little note is nothing more nor nothing less than the spontaneous promptings of a good will toward you. I therefore bid you an affectionate farewell, Hugh Gerrod

Hugh Gerrod Preston Randolph County Illinois [illegible] ans'd Mr A. please answer kindly