Sam Flannagan to Richard Yates

New Orleans January 8th 1865.

Dear Govenur,

I wrote you recently but since then Govenur Wells has returned from Washington and informs me that you will be there during the present month.

I resigned my local agency of the Treasury Department on the 20th of Oct. It was originally intended that I should have charge of a dist as assist special agt and the duties in some respects were imposed upon me by Mr. Flanders, Supervising agt without allowing the pay or position besides I have been neglected by him while other officers of inferior qualifications were transfered and placed in charge of good dists. In consequence of this and other just causes of complaint I resigned my charge of my dist preferring to rely on my friends to have me commissioned directly by the Secretary of the Treasury and ordered to report to some other agency. Mr. Flanders is not disposed to do me justice I have been and am now favorable to the admission to Louisana under her free State Constitution and this in my

opinion explains his conduct toward me. He seems in a great measure to be identified with rebel influences judging from his appointments. For instance a Lawyer by the name of Horner raises a company and engages early in the rebel cause=serves as I am informed nearly three years.---gets starved out---returns to New Orleans---takes the oath of allegience and resumes the practice of law.

He has been appointed by Mr. Flanders Examiner of Claims one of the most important positions, according to Mr F.'s idea of the laws that can be bestowed by the Sup agt. as all questions relating to the release of property under seizure are referred to this officer. The truth is no Sup agent or other officers acting by his authority can release property under seizure without the sanction of the Secy of the Treasury. Yet Mr. F has established an office of this kind---and has already released several millions worth of property---contrary to law. He is decidedly the most incompetant officer that ever held an important position and nearly all his appointees are opposed to the administration and are well known Sympathizers with the rebellion. You need not wonder at the Louisana delegation urging his removal.

I think I deserve and am entitled to a Commission as Assist Special Agent or agency for the purchase of products in some respectable dist. I have written Gen. Logan a letter stating that I should rely on you and him to aid me in the matter. I have made complete settlement with the Government. The Auditor in the Custom House at New Orleans has declared to me repeatedly that my accts with the Government were well kept not surpassed by any agent in the Department. I think there should be no doubt regarding my qualifications.

I have labored faithfully for my friends in Illinois heretofore and must take the liberty to claim their influence in my behalf. The whole Louisana delegation will unite with my friends and urge my appointment and will do so in good faith. I am poor with a family dependent yet I am young and hope to be able to reward those who assist me when I most need it.

The officers of Illinois regiments held a meeting a few days since at the St. Charles Hotel and unanimously recommended your election to the US Senate. I attended and was highly delighted to see our army officers so unanimous in your behalf.

The army is not unmindful of their best friends. I had an interview with Col Fouk and was perfectly surprised to hear of any opposition to you. I thought it was perfectly understood that you should go to the Senate. I know our people in southern Illinois voted with that understanding. I see now---you are elected and I assure you the news of your election will raise a shout among Illinoisans throughout the army and this Country. I congratulate you upon your success over the conspirators against the Verdict of the people. accept my thanks for your many kindnesses and believe me

Your friend truly

Sam E. Flannigan

I will remain here until I hear from you or the Sec of the Treas.

SEF

His Excellency R. Yates

Springfield, Ills.

Sam E Flannagan

New Orleans

to

Gov Yates

Has Resigned his place under Flanders Treasury agt complains that he has the duties but not the rank or pay of a District Agent. Also that Flanders appoints rebels and releases millions of dollars worth of property contrary to law.

Wants Gov Yates and Gen Logan to have him commissioned to a District of his own Illinois Officers held a meeting at St. Charles recommending Yates for Senator. Congratulations on his success