Alonzo Barnes to Richard Yates

[with James M. Hamilton letter 12/22/65

with Alonzo Barnes letter 1/2/65]

Prairie City McDonough Co Ill Jan 2nd 1865

Hon Richard Yates

Washington D C

Dear Sir

Some two months since, I resigned the Office of Postmaster in this place, and reccommend a Mr Halterman as successor, which I think would have given satisfaction to the community, but Mr H. has since sold his property and is going to Missouri, (of which I have notifide the Department) -

Mr M. L. Knight is making an effort to get the appointment, and by the earnest solicitation of the leading business men of the place, (and others) I have withdrawn my resignation - by what the people say to me, I am satisfide that nine tenth of the patrons of the Office would be very much opposed to Mr Knight having the Office. I represent this to you, by request of a number of our business men - a Mr H. R. Turpin, - who would give no better satisfaction, - also wants the Office - in noticing this small matter, you will confer a favor upon many of your personal friends, as they will show by a petition if desired - Our M. C. you know is a Cop

yours very Respectfully, Alonzo Barnes P M

Alonzo Barnes. P M

Prairie City Ill

Resigned sometime ago in favor of Halterman. He is going Mo and Barnes withdrew his resignation. Says 9/10 of the people wish him to retain it and are opposed to M L Knight who is also an applicant for the place.

Turpin & Knight are incompetent to fill the office correctly.