I have been so unfortunate as to have been elected a member of our board of Supervisors, and having noticed that in years past they have suffered much delay in their business for want of some rules and some systematic arrangement in their business I have thought of trying to introduce some plan by which more order and expedition may be attained2 With this view I wish to procure a copy of the rules of our House of Representatives which I suppose may be found in some of the offices in the State House–3 Will you do me the favour to procure a copy and enclose it to me by mail before long

Politically— the republicans of our County are very quiet but I think fine– We have elected 21 of the 24 Supervisers

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of the County and one of these democrats was elected by republican votes and had no opposition4 The Democrats on the contrary have split into two parties I think nearly in the middle though just now perhaps the Douglas faction is a little most numerous–5 I think our greatest danger is from propositions from the Douglas men to coalesce with us and thus get in a sufficient number ^of members of the Legislature^ of Dougla’s friends to give that party the ballance of power to6 If we act wisely we undoubtedly have the thing all in our own hands For one if Mr through Mr Dougla's assistance we succeed in the presidential canvass of 1860 I7 have no objection that he should receive a first class appointment either abroad or in the cabinet; but I am not willing that we republicans of Illinois who have received so much abuse at his hands should now turn round and endorse all his traitorous cause by giving him the highest office in our8 hands.

I can be satisfied with no such conclusion and hope our friends will see to it that the plan is not carried into effect– The friends of Douglas are active and unscrupulous and I repeat that I fear that in those counties where the republicans are either too strong or think they may be too weak to succeed alone, that our friends ^or some of them^ may, be duped into voting with them and thus strengthening them in the Legislature– But I did not think of entering into politics when I began to write– I shall always be glad to hear from you9