There were several farmers by the name of Samuel Yoder who lived in Union county at the time this letter was written. I’m inclined to believe it was the one born in 1824 but could be wrong. The Yoder surname is closely associated with the Mennonite and Amish faiths who generally shunned war and I suspect Samuel’s religious principles steered him toward the “Peace” candidate in 1864.

T R A N S C R I P T I O N

Hartleton P. O., Union county, Pa.
November 10, 1864

Sir,

I seen your friend John V. Carver and he told me that there was some chance to get farms in your neighborhood. I want to rent a farm. I have to leave the farm where I am on because I am a Democrat [and] my landlord is an abolitionist. He wants me to vote for Old Abe but I could not do so. He says I can’t farm for him if I don’t vote with him. If you will enquirer for a farm for me, you will oblige me. — Samuel Yoder

I am a poor scholar but my neighbors say I am a good farmer. I think I will come up to see you next week.