S. S. Phelps to Richard Yates

                  Oquawka 2 Dec/64

Hon. R. Yates

       Dear Gov

               Your favor also the Copy of your Speech at Bryan Hall are at hand I have distributed the Speeches to the best Advantage_ I started to write You a Congratulatory letter on the glorious result of our Election but I was so pleas at it that I was like I heard one of our Citizens Say about your Speech here that you explained his Ideas exactly only he did not Realise how

to express his feelings- if I can See you in the Dick Richardson place it Seems to me that I will not want to take an active part in Politicks again I do hope you will have no Serious opposition I thought that in this Section and among the Soldiers you are the Choice of 99 out of every 100 of the Union voters in fact I have never heard any other person named only in the Papers for that Office_ I hope you and your friends will use very means possible to Secure that result where it is needed which is not I think in this

part of the State_ and if not to much trouble and you have the time to spare write what your prospects are

                         Yours Truly

                              S. S. Phelps

Phelps Hon S.S.

Oquawka Dec 4/1864

Has received speeches & properly distributed them. Had started to write a congratulatory letter. but was too pleased to Express his ideas __ If he can see you in Dick Richardsons place he wont want to take an active part in politics again Hopes you wont have any serious opposition, and is sure you wont in that part of the state. Would like to hear from you of your prospects.