Letter from Richard Yates on September 7, 1861 writtien .
on State of Illinois Exeutive Department Stationery addressed to Hon. Abraham Lincoln, Pesident U.S.
“Sir I take great pleasure in recommening my friend Mr. Jonathon Hancock of Peoria as a proper person to be appointed Brigaade 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 sutable person to attend to the duty than Mr. Hancock. I have the honor to (next words illegible)

Richard Yates
Note: Yates wa Governor of Illinois from Jan 1861 to Jan 1865.