George Phelps to Richard Yates

Pay Department, U.S.A.

Post of New Albany, Ind. June 30, 1865

Dear Richard Yates

Senator from Illinois,

Dear Governor:

Your kind letter informing me that you had written Mr. Stanton in my behalf was rec'd some time ago. I answered it at the time but the letter may not have reached you. I feel deeply obligated to you for your efforts in my behalf as also do my friends at home.

I am informed that no transfer can be made to the Regular Army, as Pay Master, until there is Congressional action as the number is limited by law; this is probably true but the thing will be managed in this way. Those Paymasters

whom it is decided to transfer to the Regular Army will be retained until Congress meets and a law is passed for their transfer: the remainder of our Corps will be mustered out as soon as the present press of business, arising from mustering out the Army, is over.

The whole gist of the matter is to be retained now by the Department until next winter with a view to a transfer. Now is the time to arrange matters as very soon lists will be made subtracting those who will be mustered out. Your influence with Mr. Stanton I am certain could make the retention in my case a certainty. Unless the matter is attended to I fear I will be mustered out in October next.

Another thing that could be done and would amount to the same thing could be to get my nomination for Brevet Lt. Colonel (which has been done in some cases in the Pay Dept.) on the ground of meritorious services for the past four years. This would be easily done now and would place me in a position of rank which would almost secure my transfer to the Regular Army.

May I ask you to give your immediate attention to this subject just as time is now quite important in this matter.

I am Governor very sincerely

Your friend

Geo. Phelps

Maj. Geo. Phelps

July 15, 1865

Sent him letter to Stanton asking for Brevet if cannot be transferred to Regular Army