R. S. Kendall to Richard Yates

Lenore Mass

Feb. 7, 1865

Hon. Richard Yates

Dear Sir,

May I ask a favor of you? I am about to apply to the President for appointment to some European consulate. You will wonder at this - a minister turning office seeker! But my excuse is the need of change to a less confined, more outdoor life. It has occurred to me that some personal acquaintance with Old World manners & customs, some use of two of the continental tongues, some knowledge of law gained years ago & [latterly?] some special dipping into the matters of international law, together with a heart & head thoroughly loyal I believe & accordant with the policy & [illegible] of the administration, from the outset, would not unfit me from such a post as I mention.

I [shall?] ask for nothing prominent or far; nor yet do I wish for a place with but

little work to do & little pay to match.

Will you now aid me in my object by sending me a testimonial to be forwarded to Pres. Lincoln with my application, such as you can in good conscience give, & the case needs? Long as I was at Jacksonville, I never came in the way of his acquaintance. If you will remedy this luck, & in any way you please, commend my application to his consideration, you will do me a service for which I would be exceeding grateful.

I hear that "desirable consulates are in great demand", & that the "sooner my application is made the more likely it is to be successful." May I beg a prompt reply on receipt of this if you should feel free to accede to my wishes?

Very truly & sincerely yours,

R.S. Kendall

Rev. R.S. Kendall Consulate