[*Sen. Conness 1864 (?)*] Washington-Jany 2nd 1863 Mr. President The writer of the letter enclosed herewith, is a native of Kentucky. He is a religious and noble man. He is about 38 years of age. He went in company with me to California in 1849. After his companion died (which soon occurred) he and I went to the mines together. We slept under the same blankets, worked daily together at the hardest labor that it falls to the lot of man to do. We engaged in business together subsequently, but by reason of successive conflagrations and utter losses of property, standing up under our obligations we did not become rich. We were before the period of insurance in California. He is a citizen of Idaho. He was the last Speaker of the Washington Territorial Legislature, is a man of more clean ordinary clean head, looks very much like yourself, and is as true a man as lives. In the full sense of the term he is a true and noble American [*29168*] citizen. It is a new Territory. Its success will depend much upon the character of the men who inaugurate government and organize society there. In the late election you will see the course he pursued. Then as a great many secessionists then calling themselves "Democrats" Rud will be just the man for the place. May I ask his appointment? If you ever meet him or know him you will be glad of the act. Do I ask too much when I ask you to read this his familiar and private letter to me? Your obdt Servt John Conness Transcribed and reviewed by contributors participating in the By The People project at crowd.loc.gov.