Russell Hinckley to Richard Yates

Strict attention given to Collections.

New York Correspondents

BANK OF AMERICA, CLARK, DODGE & Co.

RUSSELL HINCKLEY'S BANKING HOUSE,

Belleville, Ill., June 8, 1861

Honl. Richd Yates

Springfield

Dear Sir

The demise of Stephen A. Douglas, leaves a vacancy in the U.S. Senate the filling of which, for two sessions at least, devolves upon yourself. Will you allow me to present the name of O. H. Browning, for that responsible position. There is a mawkish sentimentality springing up to have a conservative Democrat appointed. And pray how long have the democrats been "conservative"? Only since our beloved country has commenced a struggle (not its death struggle I trust,) for its very existence, which has been precipitated upon us by - Democracy -!

There are numberless reasons why Mr B. should have the office under notice. First. He has always (as I understand) been an unswerving, consistent old line Whig as well as a thorough Republican. Second. He is a very able man, just such as we need in the councils of our nation at this crisis. Third: If I am not mistaken the particular region of our State from which Mr B. hails, has never yet had a member in the U.S. Senate.

Trusting that the foregoing suggestions may meet with your approbation, and that you will pardon a comparitive stranger in thus addressing you, I am Very Truly

Rus:l Hinckley

Refer to Honl L. Trumbull

J. K. Dubois

Russell Hinckley

Regarding appointed of Senator