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With W. H. Pierce 2/26/65
Monmouth, Illinois
Feb 8th 1865
Hon Richard Yates
Jacksonville Ills
Dear Sir
The early position I took in the contest for U.S. Senator in your favor, against the Hardings - or some other cause unknown to me - has in a manner - I fear - alienated Gen. Harding's influence in my favor for a continuance in the Post Office as Mr. Lincoln's appointee in /61. A sort of a town meeting was recently held at the Court House in which "resolutions" were passed recommending "rotation" in office and an election is to be held upon the 11th to vote for a candidate to be recommended for the Office of P.M. It is said that Harding recommended this mode to dispose of me. Now if the Administration adopts this policy it of course "plays me out" at once - but on the other hand if it should not and Mr. Lincoln should not desire to disturb his appointees where they are giving general satisfaction to the public, I think there can be but little doubt of my being continued unless Gen. H. is supreme in his dictation.
I am asked to be continued by petition by nearly every business house in the city as well as the Pastors, Lawyers, Doctors &c which will doubtless aid me if this "rotating" policy is not adopted. My petition is also numerously signed by citizens not engaged the various kinds of business including several hundred. Now my, Dear Sir, I am anxious to know if you can render me any assistance, as against Harding's dictation. I had thought that inasmuch as we had been good personal friends for over twenty years, and having helped engineer his nomination and election, at a great expense of time and money - that he would be immovable for me first and last and all the time. I have written Judge Kellogg who is now in Washington, and sent him a duplicate copy of my petition. He will do what he can for me. I should be under lasting obligations to you, if you will see Mr. Lincoln and the Post Master Gen. upon the subject upon your arrival in Washington, and use your influence in my behalf. If Mr. Lincoln adopts the Jacksonian policy of continuing his appointees "during his term of service" - all will be right with me. - but on the other hand if each Member of Congress is allowed to
to "rotate" P.M., I shall have but little hope for although Gen. H. says he will not disturb me unless the vote for a new appointee is overwhelming - yes I confess I have my fears of his word in the matter.
If it is not asking too much of you will you please advise me upon return Mail what you can do in the matter.
Truly yours,
W H Pierce
W.H. Pierce P. Office