Charles S. Bartles to Richard Yates

Custom House, New York,

Personal Collector's Office,

January 10th 1865.

Dear Sir,

Most sincerely and heartily do I congratulate you upon your election to the Senate. I was well aware that your popularity was such that nothing could prevent your election, but I had reason to believe that intrigues were on foot in Illinois to defeat it, and I was therefore over-joyed when I heard that you were duly nominated and elected. I have taken a warm interest in Illinois politics for some time, and have been greatly pleased with the active, patriotic part you have assumed in behalf of Lincoln and Liberty.

You may remember that I wrote

to you on the same subject a few weeks ago.

That malicious and contemptible Copperhead paper, the World of this city, yesterday re-published the unkind and ungentlemanly remarks of the Chicago Tribune on your message, accompanied by slander too vile to be repeated. I trust, Gov. Yates, you will prosecute the editor for slander; no punishment a court could allow would be too severe for him. But, after all, it is perhaps as well that no notice should be taken of the article. The World is read by Copperheads alone: no honest Union man takes it.

I want, Governor Yates, to have you consider me one of your Eastern friends, and to permit me as such

to write to you often, and do what I can to keep you fully posted in regard to party movements at the East. I want to be considered one of your true and reliable friends, and I assure you most sincerely I shall do all I can to merit your consideration. We you not grant me this favor?

I am of the opinion that if Gov. Seward retires from the Cabinet on the 4th of March he will go to the Senate in place of Gov. Morgan, who will resign to become Secretary of the Treasury. Such is the understanding here. I think it is beyond question that Senator Morgan will be the next Secretary of the Treasury.

From what I can learn

Hon. Montgomery Blair, of Mld., will be the new minister to France.

The Herald of this morning asserts that Gen. Butler has been ordered to report at his home, Lowell, Mass, an order equivalent to his retirement from the service. Whether the news is true or not, I cannot say.

If I can hear from you at your earliest convenience I shall esteem an especial personal favor.

With great Respect,

Sincerely Yours,

Charles S Bartles.

Hon. Richard Yates,

(U. S. Senator-elect)

Springfield, Ills.