William Babcock to Richard Yates

New Orleans Aug 4/65 Hon Richard Yates Dear Friend I wrote you a few days since in regard to our friend. There has been quite a change in him. He begins to talk of business and seems inclined to assist in business matters. He has been so occupied in regard to Custom House, Politics and Women that I thought he was loosing sight of a good many legitimate business transac-tions in which he could have assisted his friends. He seems to appreciate that fact.

My eye being more to business than Politics, and his to Politics I have noticed the opportunities for opperating when he had not untill it was too late. The fact is not being brought up to business. He does not see the openings or appreciate the advantages his positions gives him for operating in a legitimate way through a friend in out-side matters. The Custom House is running all O. K. The Collector is making himself very popular with the citizens. All that have transacted business with the Custom House seem well pleased and speak highly of his Collector. He seems to gain the confidence of the Creoles especially among the Ladies. If his modesty does not [illegible] him. I think he will become quite a [illegible] among them. Would not [illegible] until fall. My regards to family. Yours truly Wm. Babcock

Wm. Babcock N. Orleans, La.

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