Kate Oakes to Richard Yates

       Jacksonville Oct 24th

Gov Yates,

   Excuse one for intruding on you, but do you remember Kate Jones, Dr Jones daughter, and one to whom you showed many little kindnesses in old times?  I was married 7 years ago & went right off to Huntsville Ala.  I have been in the South ever since, Recently we have been in Arkansas.  We have just escaped from the State.  The rebels took 700 dollars worth of cotton from us and burned it & both our clothes.  Most of our money was in Confederate money & we sold it in Memphis for 15 cents on the dollar.-  What we have suffered no one can tell

simply because we seem lovers of the Union. We saw where (Prices?) whole army was and words cannot tell what we went though with I wish I could see you & tell you - & of many things I know of going on in (illegible)- I am going to ask a great favor of you- & that is the loan of 150 dollars for 3 months - My Fathers family are no (illegible) I dislike to ask him to lend me the amount. You were always friendly to our family that I believe you will accommodate me - & I will bless you with every breath I draw. If you can accommodate me Send the money (not a draft) in a letter to my

husband, - and do not let any one know that you heard from me, but write as if you heard of our difficulties from another source. If you can't lend me the money Do not reply - but - please do - and we will return it in 3 months No one of My Fathers family or any one knows I write but my Husband. You know my Father & know me as a reliable family & we will return your kindness very soon. Please copy immediately & send the money in a letter not a draft - and do not write as if I had written you I want no one to know I wrote

For the sake of your old kindness & friends help us my Father I take this liberty. For know not what we suffered getting out of rebellion - I wish I could see you - Do not reply if you cant send the money to me but I know you will & bless you forever -

Direct to Post of C H Oakes

Jacksonville

Very Respectfully & Truly

Kate Oakes

Kate Jones