George A. Hobbs to Richard Yates

Office Geneseo Republic,

Geneseo, Ill., Jany. 11 1865

The Geneseo Republic.

Published every Friday morning.

Hobbs & Lieberknecht, Proprietors.

Terms: $2 per annum.

Hon. Ex-Gov. - now - U.S.S. Yates:

Dear Sir:

Please permit one, as 'umble as Uriah Heep, in his 'umblest days, ever was, to congratulate you on your election to a seat in the United States Senate, over which glorious result, permit your 'umble correspondent to state, that he feels just as "good as a lord." No question his ever anser in our State politics, in which I felt as keen an interest as in the election of U.S. Senator. I saw unprincipled, scheming, heathen and [professional?] demagogues using money & position to slaughter a noble-souled, whole-hearted, generous & keen-minded patriot, and I must confess that my feelings have not been wrought to such a pitch for years as they were while the canvass was in progress. I was excited. When your dispatch was recd, Sen, I lost no time in seeing your friends, laying on them the necessity of being in Springfield promptly, and, though I could not go myself, I did not learn the [illegible] until I saw a delegate who started for the capitol. I do feel exceedingly joyful over the result - as joyful as a very few of our [illegible] - jackets, and discontented [illegible] ("outs") were [illegible]-hearted. But they are all Yates men now like the (Penn?) transcript, which since the election, has fou out it was always for Yates. I was raised within & short distance of the Washburnes

in Illinois. I know them like a (illegible) mark. But I have nothing to say against your competition & caucus, only he is a politician. I hope you will excuse an almost total stranger (have met you but once in this place I apologize) for intruding upon your time & attention- I feel joyful, & I thought I would tell you of it. For this I know you will pardon me. Again, let me congratulate you, at the same time, please keep in mind that I want no consulships, no commercial agency, no judgeship - (illegible) - no place, civil or military. By which you can judge of my cincerity. Another point: All this strictly confidential: Is there any truth in the paragraph which I here enclose? I hope so. Some how, I have set up Gen Yates as my model for a man, I, as a model, I want to see him succeed. I will say no more about this at present,- but hope the Springfield (confidant?) talks by the record.

   Senator Yates, you have my best wishes for your success & happiness, I 2 can assure you that more than nine-tenths of the people of Henry county heartily rejoice over your election. I have no doubt but that our Rep. was purchased; but his constituents are all for you. 
                                                                          Very Respectfully Yours
                                                                                 Geo. A. Hobbs.

Geo. A. Hobbs

      Geneseo
            Henry Co.

Congratulatory

      C.