Richard Yates to H. C. Harding

[Dec?] 18 [186]1

Hon H. C. Harding

Monmouth Ills.

Dear Sir:

Your letter of 5th Oct. is entitled to an earlier reply: But my protracted illness and a very heavy press of business have hitherto prevented it. I assure you however that it has received due consideration, and that the names of the gentlemen you [referred?] to, Messrs Palmer and Douglas, are entered for promotion. There are but few vacancies, and applications for office are innumerable. I endeavor [all?] cases to discriminate in favor of those who proved themselves brave & efficient, I make but [few?] appointments of my own selection, the companies [illegible] insisting upon their own selections.

Very Respy Richd Yates.