S. M. Cullom to Richard Yates

Springfield Ills. Jany 26. 1865

Hon Rich'd Yates

My Dear Sir

I expected to have a confiden-

tial talk with you before you left for

Washington but failed to get an

appointment to do so.

I have some anxiety about

the appointment of Dist. Attorney for

this Dis't - and intended to learn

your views in relation to it before you left.

I am decidedly for the continuation

of Mr Weldon in the office and trust

you are also. Mr Weldon has per-

formed his duties in the office most faith-

fully & I think is entitled under all the

circumstances to be retained.

He took no active part in our sen-

atorial contest - but I am sure that

he was friendly to you. He could have

[controled?] Dr Warren, the member from

his county agst you if he had desired

to do so, and the fact that Warren so

cheerfully voted for you is evidence

that he did not try.

I am anxious that Weldon shall

continue in his office & think the

interests of the Government

in his Dist requires it.

You may not feel under obligations

to take any active part in behalf

of Mr Weldon . if so, I hope you will

at least be willing to to be neutral

on the subject & let him & his friends

fight it out.

I write this letter to you without

any consultation with Mr Weldon

in reference to the matter, but for

the reason that I am personally

anxious that he shall be retained

in the office.

I am with great respect

Yours Truly

S. M. Cullom

Hon S M Cullom

To

Gov Yates

Wishes Weldon retained

U S Atty for the Southern

Dist Illinois. If you cannot be

actually for him, let him

& his friends fight it out.

He could have kept Dr

Warren from voting for

you if he had so desired