Richard Yates to Abraham Lincoln

Sept. 7th [186]1

Hon Abraham Lincoln

President U.S.

Sir

I take great pleasure in recommending my friend Mr. Jonathan Hancock of Peoria, as a proper person to be appointed Brigade Quartermaster.

From my acquaintance with Mr. Hancock I know him to be an able, prompt, energetic and reliable business man and should feel much gratified at his success. I would here take the liberty to suggest to your Excellency that Peoria would be a suitable place to purchase necessary stores for the Army and that you could find no more suitable person to attend to this duty than Mr. Hancock.

I have the honor to be &C

Richd Yates.