Charles C. Fox to Richard Yates

New Orleans June 27, 1865

Dear Governor

I arrived here on the 11th inst and a few days thereafter Judg Kellogg arrived and in the 25th inst he was installed in his office which he fills with dignity and satisfaction all have greeted him with heartiness and rejoice at his arrival. The Judg is endowed with a good share of Policy with a genial disposition. The fear he entertained while in Jacksonville that he would meet with opposition from some parties here were groundless. That I ascertained immediately upon my arrival. He is surrounded in [illegible] constantly engaged getting scarcely time to read his correspondence much less to answer them, for instances there were over one hundred applicants for positions, and to day over one hundred and fifty that with his regular duties fill up his time full as much as he desires. He will in my opinion fully equal his friends most sanguine expectations. He has today assigned me to duty as a Clerk at $1,600.00 per year with the prospect of an increased position in a short time or as soon as he can make the arrangement. It wold in my opinion be injudicious in the Judg to remove

all the old officers at present until he understands the workings of the Institution fully. Those changes however in my opinion will be perfected whenever the circumstances require. I have no fearsbut what the Judg will suitably provided for me aided by your [illegible] influence, the Judg and myself are in good health. The weather thus far has not been any more oppressive than in the West.

I suppose you are interested in Louisiana Politics. I have explored them to considerable extent, and the result is I find three separate and distinct [illegible]. One with Governor Wells as it Leader (who are as the Gov himself informed me) War Democrats, but in my opinion more Copperhead than War Democrat. They assert that they are in favor of the Free state organization but oppose negro suffrage. The other are in favor of the present State organization with a qualification upon Negro sufferage rather wait a while before extend the franchise to the Negro but willing to do so if necessary to neutralize the Rebel vote, the third party are in favor of the State organization but unqualified in favor the Negro franchise immediately. The first named will undoubtedly succeed as the state is full of rebels returning from the army and

under the amnesty proclamation are entitled the franchise. Judg Cutter belongs to the second party which in my opinion is almost if not quite obsolete "Confidentially" in my opinion He, Cutter, does not exercise much influence here. He is regarded by both of the other parties as "fishy" ready to go either way which will promote his personal interests. Governor Wells is the leading political [illegible] in this State and in the contest this fall the only question will be the right of franchise for the Negro. I have not defined my position with either side preferring to wait and become more acquainted. Governor Wells invited me to speak but I declined. I would prefer hearing from you upon the above upon the above question before I make any declarations - you are always right and it is safe for me to follow in your wake. You are my benefactor my best friend have rendered me valuable assistance which I hope I may be enabled to reciprocate.

Please accept my thanks for your kindness with the hope that your path through life may be [strun?] with [fleurs?]

With respect

Charles H. Fox

Chas H. Fox