S. Noble to Richard Yates

Headquarters Department of Arkansas Chief Quartermaster's Office Little Rock, Ark., Aug 7th 1865 Hon Rich Yates My Dear Sir The enclosed was sent to me at this place - The promptness with you attended to my request in pen what I knew you would do. When I draw on you I always expect my draft to be known I wish I could say so of all those who profess friendship for me I feel much obliged to you for the interest you took in this matter & all others where I have been interested. My nephew Col HY.T. Noble Chief Q.M. of the Dept of Ark wishes me to thank you most kindly for the interest you have taken in his behalf. He is a very active young man & will be back to our state where he will of course have some influence in the future

he is and ever will be your fine friend. This is the last season I shall spend here in this state. I shall be home & able I hope if you can need it to do you some good. My Dear friend do you know that I look forward with much hope to the time when you will take your seat in the Senate of the U.S. I want you to put forth the whole force of your intellect. I want you to be Richard Yates pure & unadulterated & I shall never (if you are) wish you on anybody else. Our state has had some men to be proud of. You can excel Douglass. Lincoln had no better head or heart than yourself but he had opportunity to make himself great that probably no American citizen will ever have again. You once said to me you would like to be senator I told you that you could be. You are thank God. There is but one step more & can't you make it. Be always Richard Yates & let no indulgence of any passion or appetite steal away your good sense & you are safe for the future. The (illegible) you ought to be satisfied with. I have written you plainly as one friend should write another. Yours truly S Noble