A. J. Mattson to Richard Yates

Assessors' Office of Internal Revenue, 3rd District, Illinois. Andrew J. Warner, Assessor

Prophetstown, Whiteside County, May 24th 1865

Govr. Yates

Dear Sir,

I am writing in this office, for the want of Better Employment. The salary is to be regulated by the amt of work & the diligence faithfulness of the Clerk. I am informed from the Dept at Washington that I must show that I am not only competent but that the pecuniary interest of the Govt. would be enhanced by my knowledge of its affairs and my aptness for application of the laws, & steadiness on my part as Chief Clerk to enforce the same. As you know me to be truthfull, & some what competent, and that I belong to the party of Eternal Vigilence, I want a letter from you to asst. me in obtaining the larger salary. Please address the letter to C. M. Walker 5th Auditor Treas Dept. & send it to me. Immediately and

much ably your friend A J Mattson

I have been compelled to write in haste. To much other engagements --

A J Mattson Prophetstown, Whiteside County to Gov Yates

Wants a letter to the 5th Auditor of the Treasury recommending him to have a higher salary. Letter to be sent to Mattson.

Recommendation sent to Mattson Aug 25th 1865

With strong letter my signature