Charles A. Fox to Richard Yates

United States Custom House, Collector's Office. New Orleans, July 19, 1865 Hon. Rich Yates U. S. Senator

Dear Governor

I have written you several times since my arrival here and informed you how I am situated, what salary I obtain and in what I am employed. I have great occasion to thank you for the favors I have received from you and hope the time not far distant when I can be of service to you I have written you my opinion of the Political condition of this state in a former communication and I have not yet discussed anything to change my former expressed opinion. Gov. Wells in my opinion is pursing a course that it is entirely antagonistical to the Government and the Free State Party. He is appointing daily men to responsible offices who are "Rebels" and who have but recently returned to the state former officers in the Rebel Army "is that right" I say "No" it is wrong thus encouraged they defy Union men and insultingly declare that the South in a short period will be in the same

condition as before the Rebellion "to wit" Southerners will rule this Country and [Western?] & Northern Men can get a leave of absence from here or local Laws will be enacted so stringent that a Northern Man will be compelled remain away from here. "I have heard it boldly [asserted?] that the coming Legislature will enact a Law that all Non Residents - will be compelled to take out their papers here after a residence of twenty on years before being allowed the right of franchise. That I heard at a Copperhead meeting a few evenings since. how can we have a Republican Govemnt in that way. Governor these states must have a Provisional Governor and a standing army to protect the Loyal inhabitants or they will all be compelled to leave. The Rebels are largely in the majority and they control the Ballott Box consequently elect their own officers to pass such Laws as will further their intent and when that transpires God help the poor Negro. I see but one remedy and the is to share a Provisional Government and Congress if they can Constitutionally pass Laws give the Negro

the right of Franchise. This is a question which has agitated my mind much since my arrival here. The Constitution directs Congress to pass Uniform [illegible] Laws. Cannot you under that clause enfranchise the Negro - I am aware that the prejudice exists in the mind of the people against the Negro franchise. and if Universal Suffrage cannot yet be attained, cannot a limited suffrage be granted and afterwards obtain when the people become more enlightened yet all denied. These matters you are far more experienced in than I am and please accept the above as suggestions. Judg. Kellogg still retains his good health and very much engaged in business herein with the cares of office. I sometimes feel sorry for him with so much New business on his hands, but he is adequate to the task. The Judg has made many warm friends since his arrival here, uniformly courteous to all with a genial disposition. Kind hearted: he will in my opinion if this state can settle down [to?] a government take a seat beside you in the ref. Senate as a member from Louisiana and God knows he has my best wishes and shall

have my [illegible] in full for his benefit. he is a good friend of mine and I appreciate it. Gov. there is a vacancy here in the surveyors office. That is the surveyor is only acting surveyor, He is Name is Tricker. he was appointed a special agent of the Laws dept and assigned to duty as surveyor. consequently under the old Law under which Judg Kellogg holds this is a vacancy. cannot and will not give assist me to obtain it. I do not want the application made for me as an Illinoisian but as a Citizen of Louisiana an application from you I am confident would secure it. But if you in your judgement think it would in the slightest degree inpune or injure Judge Kellogg's position don't make any effort for me. I leave the matter with you with full confidence you will act in the premesis knowledge with many wishes for your health and prosperity and that of your family, I am sin yours &c Chas. H. Fox

New Orleans July 19 1865 Political Aspect of Louisiana, Negroe, Suffrage, Provisional Government There is a vacancy there in the Surveyor's Office, Wants you to get it for him.