C. Ballance to Richard Yates

Peoria, Jan 30th, 1865

His En. Richard Yates, Washington, DC

Dear Sir;

I wrote to you to obtain, if possible, the permission to J. J. Green, to take the oath of allegiance. This I suppose will be done, if the attention of Mr. Stanton or Lincoln can be called to it. If not, get them to bond him to me, and I will be responsible for his parole, and deliver him up to the government if he shows any disposition to do otherwise than sit down quietly and read law, in Illinois. I will not let him go to Kentucky at all, without the consent of government.

I saw W. Pitt Kellogg today. He says he knows William Kellogg will not go to [Guatemala?] but will return to Peoria. This being so you will confer a special favor on me by applying to Mr. Lincoln and Mr. Seward and get that appointment that of minister resident for me.

When I was in Washington last, Mr. Lincoln seemed quite willing for me to have it, had it not been promised to Kellogg. Now since he will not have it, I suppose I can get it, provided Mr. Seward shall not be in the way.

Yours in haste, C. Ballance