A. J. Mattson to Richard Yates

Dear Goviner, I am Just in ret. of yours making Inqiery about my salery. I am told in a round about was that he salery of chief clerk of this office is to be increased from $600,to $1000.but as yet have no Evidence of the fact.

I stay[hero?]. Gov. for the want of something more renumerative. $1000. is really a small compensation for to performethe duties of the office.

I write every word, sentance, sylable, letter, & make Every figure, but I cannot Expect anything any Better unless I go outside of this Congressional District. The mortgage, up this way, cannot cover anything.-Since being in this office, I have found that our Representative will is supreme law at Washington, sofar as this District is concerned. I suppose this is all well Enough, so far a the use is concerned, but the abuse is another thing-Petitions are as [reselfs] as so much blank paper-it is how much is he worth politically & personally----well I suppose these things are all well Enough.I never sold our a friend for anything. Political or otherwise in my life. So you see I am not all [illegible] at least in this line of Business.

I have read your Speech 'inclosed, [illegible]all others of your making or saying these is no waste of words or matter. I can, withour a selfish motive, Compliment you as being one of the first men of the age, and hope that the country at Large may appreciate you as much as I do (in that Event, you would be our next president). I have never been at Washington, (that political Hill) but would be glad to see you there next session. I hope that the affairs of our County may gradually quiet Down, but the unwarrented Presidential clemency to the men who have cost us so much blood and [illegible], is filling a new cauldron, that I think will boil with unabated [illegible] you will have a hand in Regulating these things soon. I am glad of it

this letter is lengthy for which you will Excuse I feel as though I was talking to a substantial friend.

God Bless you.

A.J. Mattson----

AJ Matteson

Prophetstown Aug 6,65

Reply to [yours'?] of late

date Enquireing about

his Salery wrote on Aug 26th as below

noted

Say to [Illegible]

Write him that when

I wrote asking

as to his Salary I thought

I had a place for him

Tennessee, but found I

was too late hope [before?]

may be able to find

something that will

pay him better than

his present position.----