Spencer G. Russell to Richard Yates

Bluffdale Greene Co Ills

April 24th 1861

Gov. Yates,

Sir;

I write to ask a favor of you, being a good Republican myself from the very beginning, and wishing no office whatever - I write to ask that you will give my Brother Dr. W. A. J. Russell of Hamilton Hancock County, an appointment as Surgeon or Assistant Surgeon in some one of the Regiments going from this State. My brother graduated at the Iowa State University about seven years ago, is very skillful in his profession, is about 35 years of age. Two of us have already "joined the army" and would like to have the third. We are you will recollect sons of "old John of Bluffdale" whose pen has ever zealously worked in the cause of the Rep. party. Two of us are lawyers and one an M.D.

I refer you to E. L. Baker of the Journal C. M. Smith, Merchant, of your city.

Yours &c

Spencer G. Russell

S. G. Russell

Recommending his Brother for surgeon

answered

May 14th 61