John S. Thompson to A. C. Harding

New York Jan. 13, 1865

Genl A. C. Harding

My Dear Sir:

I had not time to thank you in writing for your kind letter of introduction which you did me the honor of sending just before my departure for Europe.

That letter with others did me much good and I can only say that for your kindness to me generally and especially I thank you and authorize you to draw on me at any time.

I returned per Scotia yesterday much improved in healthy and weighing 20 lbs heavier. I am happy to tell you that I fully succeeded in negotiating for iron &c for our [road?] and now it is a fixed fact.

We have to organize our Company and I would like and all interested would like to put you on our Board as a Director. [illegible] directors are all good men but they are not all distinguished gentlemen. Our object in asking this of you is to [give?] a little more character abroad. We will not [illegible] on your time for we have it so arranged that we will not probably find it necessary to have a meeting during the year. I have written to Gov. Yates on this subject and hope he will also consent. In Europe big names go a great way.

I have also written to the Gov. about the American Cotton Planters Association and I wish you would see him about it and get him to sign the letter I sent, sign yourself, and get as many other prominent gentlemen to do so as possible. Write me at Aledo, where I expect to be in a few days. Yours truly

John S. Thompson