William Barratt to Richard Yates

Township of Mayfield Sycamore

P O DeKalb Co Ills Sep 20th 1864

His Excellency

Richard Yates

Governor of Illinois

Respected Sir

Having been a Justice of the Peace in this State ten years past I take the liberty to address you

The DeKalb County U.S. Assessor has notified the Justices that all Deeds Mortgages Bonds Agreements &c drawn up by said officers make them Conveyancers & to do this writing the license ten dollars must be taken out.

Now I would most respectfully represent that the welfare of our beloved state is so much concerned in this enactment as to desire your consideration of the following thoughts

The office of Magistrate is seldom held by men of property with ability to give their duties the attention which they demand & are ill qualified to perform the various functions required in their station without some practice

The small amount of Conveyancing done in rural districts by the Justice is a school of practice which tends to fit him for serious duties whenever they may occur & to withdraw from him that means of improvement would seriously injure the moral discipline of that popular tribunal where equality and Liberty is fostered & cheap redress obtained

That a tax thus imposed would render the filling of that office a difficulty but when filled their competency & usefulness would be endangered or lost together

That many Justices will likely resign which will cause confusion & their places if filled will perhaps be occupied by the incompetent & disloyal thus degrading & demoralizing that body in this state

Under these circumstances representing as you do the Loyal sentiments of this mighty state with its interest. Political & Social - Your representations made to the proper functionary at Washington. That the Public Good requires that he decides "Justices of Peace in townships and except residing in Corporate towns shall not be deemed Conveyancers" Would aid the State in filling & call to a useful occupation of that important post competent officers & so promote the welfare of our beloved State and Country

Most respectfully & truly yours

Wm Barratt

a Country Justice

Barratt. A. S.

Sycamore. DeKalb Co.

Sept 24th 1864

Wants to know if Justices of Peace cannot be exempt from the Excise License - $10 - on the ground that they are generally poor men & cannot afford it.