James Henderson to Richard Yates

Monmouth 7th January 1865

To his Excellency Gov: Yates

Dear Sir

I did myself the honor to address you a few lines yesterday and now address you again, since Col Henderson has made known to me, that, in accordance with the views of some of my friends here who are well acquainted with the active part I have taken in the cause we delight to advance (to say nothing of the part I have taken in the senatorial passage d'arms) he has written to you, requesting you to place upon your list for favorable consideration my name, when in the distribution of Offices you may have one at your disposal the duties of which, in your estimation, will not require greater Capacity than it is my fortune to possess.

Although engaged in the practice of law, I have conducted the business of the Assessor's Office of this district with entire satisfaction to Col Henderson and without complaint from the Treasury Depart

ment and I flatter myself that the Office of Consul would not Tax my energies or abilities, though limited, beyond their adequacy to meet the demand

Having a French and Spanish education - speaking the former well and the latter sufficiently to transact business the duties of such an office could be discharged by me in a French or Spanish port with as much ease as in an English one. The vacancy that seems probable at present at Bahia consequent upon the Capture of the Florida has been suggested to me by the partiality of my friends. I had myself thought of soliciting an appointment as a bearer of dispatches to Europe intending, if I succeeded, to give my attention on my return to the editing of a Newspaper in this City - but of course sir, I ask only for such a position either at home or abroad as you may deem suitable to my Capacity - if indeed you should think I have any claim at all to your consideration - how

ever as the hope of reward has had no influence on my political action hitherto neither will disappointment in my efforts at present influence me in my future course

I shall give my best energies as ever to the welfare of my Country and to the support of her gallant defenders and her patriotic and devoted representatives and statesmen

Your Obedt Servt

James Henderson

Senatorial

James. Henderson.

Monmouth

Ills.

Asking some appointment