Seldon J. Woodman to Richard Yates

              Chicago Ills.  Dec. 1864

Rich'd Yates Esq.

         Gov. of Ills.

                        My dear Sir

Yours of 14th (illegible) duly rec'd. I beg leave to state in reply that on or about the Middle of January next will suit me exactly as a time for commencing your portrait for Col. Osborn & friends. I rec'd a letter from the gallant Colonel a day or two before yours. If you should be pressed as to time, I can take a trip to Springfield, & will do so with pleasure when you feel disposed to honor me with sittings. The large picture I shall paint in my studio, but can make the smaller studies for it at Springfield as well as

here if it will serve your convenience better. Have the Kindness to advise me in relation to this at the earliest opportunity.

   The photographs you sent are undoubtidly good but do not express the real downright hearty character one would like to see in a portrait.

  Can you send me a full length photograph with head & body as large at least as in the ones already in my possession?  If so it will be a great favor as I can then make a small full length study & obtain some idea of arranging the larger picture.

                               Truly Yours with Respect

                                    Seldon J. Woodman

Woodman Seldon J.

Chicago Dec. "64

Middle of Jan'y will suit him exactly for painting your picture for Col. Osburn. If you desire it he will come to Springfield to make the smaller studies preparatory to painting the large one