W. H. Osborne to Richard Yates

Illinois Central Railroad Company,

President's Office,

Chicago, Mch 30th 1863.

Hon. Richard Yates.

Governor.

State of Illinois.

My Dear Sir:

I enclose you herewith copy of the memorial addressed to the Governor General of Canada, which we forwarded last week under cover to one of the Ministry and we hope to hear within a few days that it has been delivered to Viscount Monck. Until we hear that it is absolutely delivered, we can make no use of the paper in New York, and you will please hold your copy until advised.

Our committee decided that the object of the appointment would not be so well attained, if we acceded to the wish of the Board of Trade and other committees to accompany us, for we consider ourselves especially directed by the State, and by yourself to act for the State of Illinois. I think it the most

important subject in relation to the interests of the people of the State (with the Single Exception of the Maintenance of the Government) which has ever come up for consideration. A direct trade with Liverpool will add 25% to the value of every acre in Illinois, and I am disposed to proceed very carefully but with the endeavor to reach public opinion in England when the food is wanted, rather than to address town meetings in Canada.

I hoped to have met you in New York, and to have advised and consulted with you in relation to the memorial before it was sent forward, it is very brief. I hope you will not think it too much so. We propose at the interview in May to be prepared with statistics to enable the Governor General himself if he decides to reccomend this subject to the Colonial Minister to set forth in his own statement such figures as he thinks important to be

presented. I have thought it quite unwise to exhaust the subject in the first document, but rather to leave a great deal to be said by Lord Monck himself, which will have a great deal more influence than if we had said it ourselves.

I shall be very glad of any suggestions from you, and hope it will suit your convenience and pleasure to go down with us in May. Meantime I am dear Sir

Your most obedient servant

W H Osborn

62

Wm H Orsborn

Chicago March 20 1863.

Encloses a copy of the memorial addressed to the Governor General of Canada. which was sent forward last week and until they hear that it is absolutely delivered they can make no use of the paper in New York. would be glad to recive some suggestions from the Governor.

Legisl

Recd Ex O April 1 1863.