A young friend of mine, George Phelps, Esqr[Esquire], of Lewistown, Fulton County, admitted to the Bar sometime since, is desirous of obtaining the post of Prosecuting Attorney in his District, become vacant recently, by the resignation of the late incumbent, John S. Bailey, Esqr of M^cDonough Co., who, it seems, they have made Judge of the circuit court for that District–2

Mr. Phelps is a promising young Lawyer, and a gentleman of very high character, besides being a good Republican, of the genuine old Whig stamp; And I should

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be much pleased to see him appointed to the post he desires– But having no personal acquaintance with Gov. Bissell, (who, I believe, has the appointment in case of a vacancy occurring in this way)3 I have made free to ask, if you shall not deem it out of place, and can without inconvenience do so, that you will present the matter to the Gov., with such suggestions as you may deem proper– I confess that I do so with some hesitation, not liking to trouble you, and certainly not feeling that I have, either for myself or friends, any special claims upon your time or attention— tho[though]’ I do claim to rank myself among the number of your admirers & friends– I understand from Mr. Phelps that Mr. Browning will interest himself for him– But as there is likely to be

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some competition for the post, and he is perhaps rather late in making application, he feels somewhat solicitous as to the result– If you feel that you can consistently do anything for Mr. Phelps, it will be duly appreciated by4