H. Riblett to Richard Yates

Pekin Ills April 5, 1861

Hon R. Yates

Honoured Sir

Please excuse me for this intruding myselfe on Your Valuable time and patience while I make an enquiry or two of You as at the present no one with whom I have the honour of a personal acquaintance presents himselfe so [readily?] to my mind with the hope of an answer [as?] Your Honour

I would like to ascertain what course to pursue and to whom properly to apply for an appointment to "West Point"

My Son has just entered on his 17th year and desires a better education than I at the present feel able to give him and at his request I am induced to ascertain the course to persue to obtain his wishes. He is Phisically tolerably will developt and for the opportunites he has had (a common District school) very well advanced in his Studies and appears to have a good Constitution If you dear Sir will please do me the favour & give the desired information you will confer lasting obligations on

Truly Yours

H Riblett

H Riblett

Pekin

Ills.

In regard to appointment at West Point