George S. Phillips to Richard Yates

Chicago Tribune Office

Novr. 19 / 62

To His Excellency

Governor Yates, of Illinois:

My dear Sir, Will you do the favor to return the MS. which I put into your hands, when I last had the pleasure of seeing you at the Tremont House! Oh the influence of [Russia?] in the Ship Canal project! I will, unless you would wish to make use of it yourself, deliver it with additions before the Union League this city.

I find there is a movement to get a barge canal through to Montreal, which would defeat the magnificent project of the Ship Canal. I have a Report before me, which I am going to make as abstract from, for the Tribune, of a Select Committee of the Legislative Assembly, of the barge project - and if no one in authority, no American who ought to love America better than any alien born, will say the warning word in time, I, by Gods' help!, will do it, and leave it to the judgment of the citizens!

Ever most truly & affectionately yours

Geo S. Phillips

Phillips Geo S.

Chicago Nov 19 1863.

Wishes letter and M.S. returned.

Sent by express

Dec 26 63

Snyder