B. F. Ford to [Richard Yates]

Tuscola April 18th 1861

Dear Sir

After my compliments I would say that your friends here fully endorse the promptness manifested by you in calling together the Legislature and the seeming determination on your part to maintain this glorious old confederacy.

When you were here last fall you proposed to do something for me if Lincoln was elected to which I replied I did not want anything but since war is upon us and having somewhat of a military spirit I should be glad to serve my country in the Quartermaster or Commissory

Department. I suppose the appointments would be made by the War Department If you can I would like for you to intercede for me

We had a large and enthusiastic meeting here last night but there is much opposition from the Democrats Fillmore men and a few “quasi” Republicans we will raise one or two companies of volunteers in this county. It would have done you good soul & Body to have heard the response to a call for three cheers for the Stars & Stripes after Col Williams of Ky. had finished his disunion speech go it Dick Your course meets the approbation of all good men in this section we will hold up your hands and fight treason whever we find it / your truly B. F. Ford

B. F. Ford

For office &c

Private