George S. Bangs to Richard Yates

Aurora July 25, 1865 Hon. Rich. Yates Sir: Sec. 14, of the new Post Office Law, reads thus: - "that the (illegible) advertisement for the proposals to carry the mails of the United States shall be published hereafter for a period of six weeks, in one or more, but not to exceed five Newspapers, printed in the State or Territory where the mail service is to be performed, one of which shall be printed at the seat of government of Such State or Territory." This advertisement will be worth about six or eight-Hundred dollars, and I think the Postmaster General has the disposal of the advertisement and assignment of newspapers in which it appears. Of course not less than five papers will be used for Illinois. Springfield Journal will be one of course, leaving four papers in other portions of the State. The "Aurora Beacon" is published at Aurora, Illinois. How did you like the appearance and general make-up of the thousand or more of men and women, boys and girls, in attendance upon our Fourth of July Ball, in our new $80,000 Town Hall! Seriously, we should have been glad to have seen you on that occasion, but it was a little too much for us to expect you to ride twenty-four miles after the fatigues of such a very hot day, and were not much disappointed in your not coming. We had a splendid time here and "[Dead Souls?]" of people. Could not see you at Elgin for I got mixed up in our own celebration, contrary to my desires, and could not get away. Was in Chicago the next day, and designed to have seen you - did call, but you were out - and afterwards got mixed up with some pretty women and went with them to a little banquet - up at Evanston - therefore I did not see you. I send you [Seward's?] oration. Our Committee printed 3,000 for circulation

among the people. What has become of yours? Would like to print it in my paper if there is no objection on your part; or at least a portion. I hope that you fetched that Elgin community on you "side to stay and for keeps." for heretofore they have not been on your side much. The Elgin Chronicle pitched into you a little, though that was to have been expected, in view of its Copperhead propensities. It was well for you to go to Elgin on the (illegible) and I am glad you did. Respectfully yours Geo. S. Bangs

Geo. S. Bangs Aug. 5th Sent the letter to Dennison for printing - wrote Bangs - & sent speech for publication