Mary E. Barns to Richard Yates

Rock Island, Jan 6 1865

Gov Yates

Dear Sir:

Granting you will pardon the liberty I have taken on this addressing you. It's a favor I would ask, not for myself and yet one which indirectly will please me far more than anything I could ask for myself. [Illegible] through your influence and power you can grant my request: My Father the Editor of the "Union" has worked hard for you and by your successful election. Will you not in some manner help him? The paper is not only self sustaining and cannot soon receive assistance from another source. The Post Office should belong or with the [familiarity?] office and yet he would never ask you for it on account of the enemies it would make for him. The [illegible] politicians of R. I. are

of very little account. Father was very much surprised and indignant at the way Senator Webster cast his vote, having previously promised Father to vote for you, which he was honest enough in untill bought [illegible] by Mr. Washburne. It can however make no difference to you now. But I am digressing from my subject.

You will please not let my Father knows of this note it might displease him very much with me. I have only called you attention so that should it be your wish you might be of great assistance to him.

Trusting you will pardon the entrusion I have made upon you

I am respectfully

Mary A. Barns

Rock Island Ill

Barns Miss Mary E

Rock Island, Jany 6 / 65

Wants you to assist her father who is the Editor of Rock Island Union to obtain the P. O. there.