James Henderson to Richard Yates

Monmouth 26 May 1865

Hon. Richard Yates

Dear Sir

I do myself the honor to address you though I hesitate somewhat in doing so as I doubt not gentlemen in your position must be greatly annoyed by persons who, because they have given them a vote, think they have a prescriptive right to be intrusive. I disclaim any right whatever to other attention, than that you deem proper to accord, for the part I had the privilege of sharing in the triumph of your friends in carrying you into the position that no other man than yourself could, under the circumstances, occupy without giving consolation to our home traitors for whom I have less respect than for those in arms; and I rejoice to know that your course since your election has not only vindicated my action, but convinced those who faltered that your name must ever be inseparably connected

with the happiness and glory of your State.

I disclaim any right, either, to ask for anything as a compensation for that support, which no citizen might withold in the furtherance of those principles destined to make our country in fact, what she has long had the reputation of being the "asylum of the oppressed of all nations". Without other merit than a feeble effort on my part to discharge my duty my friends are pleased to recommend me for a position under this administration and are now circulating on my behalf a petition intended for the eye of the President; this petition when returned to me I will send to you that you may have the views of your friends here respecting the matter--further than this there is no use for it. meantime permit me to enclose a letter to you from Charles A Savage Esq of Quincy.

I may never merit the favor I seek at your hands but it will be

fully appreciated and gratefully remembered.

Yours Respectfully

James Henderson

James Henderson

Monmouth Ill

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