present when I was discharged. It was a splendid steel engraved parchment with an allegorical portrait of the goddess of Liberty leading on the It has a beautiful inscription in German text, and is signed by the General and Staff. It is most beautifully framed. Thanking you for many courtesies, with good wishes and assurances of my sincere friendship, I am truly yours, WINFIELD SCOTT RIDER. VICKSBURG, MISS., June 28, 1864. Friend Hildreth: Your favor of the 20th inst. is at hand. I sincerely thank you for your manifold kindness towards me, and I hope I can one day personally thank you for all. I have not yet received your letter sent to Chattanooga. It will probably come around all "O. K." I feel almost certain that I shall obtain the situation. On the first of next month I shall commence clerking for Lieut. Johnson, Quarter-master, and will receive good pay. I know my penmanship can be improved, but I think I am acquainted with much of the business connected with the army. By next mail I shall send a somewhat lengthy letter for the "Intelligencer." . My little rebel" is all "O. K." and I shall use all the means in my power to infuse patriotism into her heart and make her a devoted lover of the -our union! Kind regards to Mrs. Hildreth. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Washington, D. C., May 5, 1864. ( HON. A. B. F. HILDRETH: Dear Sir: Your favor, having reference to the Bradford Post-office, is received. Mr. Vinton, of Bradford, has been here, and the Post-office De partment is disposed to act upon the case presented. I received a letter last night from Mr. Mathews on the subject of a Congressional Convention, proposing to hold it on the 15th of June. This is earlier than I had anticipated. He informs me that he has written to the other members of the Committee, and if they concur with him the call will be made for about that time. I have answered him that if this meets the views of our friends I would have no objection, but I would not want an early convention if any dissatisfaction would arise. therefrom. I thank you for your expressions favorable to my re-nomination. I feel that, unless I have failed in the discharge of my duty, I deserve it. I have succeeded in getting through the House for you my McGregor land grant bill. It will also pass the Senate; probably to-day. This bill is preferable to Senator Harlan's for the reason that it is of present benefit to the Railroad Company. Mr. Harlan's bill only allowed the Railroad Company co-terminous sections of land to road actually built, thus compelling them to build one hundred and fifty miles or more of road before they could get any lands. Under my bill they draw lands for every ten miles, and must build twenty miles each and every year or forfeit the grant. Mr. Harlan will accept the proposition. Judge Hubbard, from Sioux City, has faithfully stood by me in the matter, although seemingly against his interest. But he believes with me that it is better to give the Company immediate aid so as to insure the completion of the road, at least to the Cedar river valley, without delay. Very truly yours, WM. B. ALLISON. OFFICE OF SECRETARY U. S. SENATE, | Washington, May 5, 1864. Friend Hildreth: I send you to-day a copy of the Smithsonian Report and a set of three volumes Report of Committee on Conduct of the War. You will find them useful for reference. How are matters moving in your section? I trust our railroad prospects are brightening up and that money will seek an investment in our unsettled lands--not the money of speculators, but of enterprising men who will come among us with the view of improving what they purchase. Our Representative, Col. Allison, made an able and appropriate speech in the House last evening. I happened to be present and heard it. The speech and the manner of delivery were creditable both to himself and to our District. When will our Congressional Convention be held, and will there be any opposition to Mr. Allison's renomination? Let me hear from you on these matters and oblige Yours truly. N. C. DEERING. OFFICE OF SECRETARY U. S. SENATE, | HON. A. B. F. HILDRETH: Dear Sir: I send you to-day Senate Bill 132, and will take it as a favor if you will publish in your paper the portion herewith enclosed, (the main bill I send under another wrapper.) which is the amendment proposed by Senator Harlan on the 20th inst. and adopted by the Senate. As our section of Iowa is largely interested in this and other railroad matters I trust you will be pleased to spread the amendment in full before your readers. As the "Standard" has but a small circulation I prefer sending to you. The bill is amendatory of the Pacific railroad bill of July, 1862. It has passed the Senate and is now before the Com mittee on Pacific Railroad of the House. I would respectfully suggest that it be headed "Senator Harlan's Amendment to Pacific R. R. Bill,” and then a few editorial explanatory remarks, substantially as follows: We notice that on the 20th inst. the bill amendatory of the Pacific R. R. Act of 1862, being before the U. S. Senate, Mr. Harlan proposed the following amendment, which was adopted, &c. You will best understand the appropriate remarks. Congress is now in earnest and will do up their work and adjourn within a few weeks. Gen. Grant is moving with that stern inflexibility of purpose and will for which he is remarkablecool, calm, steady, and confident of a final triumph. I know the Government think he is the man to close up the War. Mr. Lincoln will be renominated for President, and I deem it best that he should be. He has committed some mistakes, but at the same time he has done some good service and the people are generally satisfied. They have confidence in his integrity and the purity of his motives. Very truly yours. N. C. DEERING. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, 38th CONGRESS, Washington, May 28, 1864.) I Friend Hildreth: Your favor is just received. also received a Dubuque Times this morning, saying that Reuben Noble declines to be a candidate for Supreme Judge. I think there must be a mistake in this. If so, no time should be lost in making the correction. I have this morning written Mr. Noble on the subject. I have clearly talked with all our members except Mr. Kasson, with reference to Mr. Noble; they all concur, except Mr. Grinnell, that the office is due to us. Mr. Price said unhesitatingly that he would go for Noble if in the Convention. One difficulty is in the way. None of us can be at home until after the State Convention is held, from present appear ances. As to the U. S. Senate: I have no doubt your statements are correct as to the ambitious views of certain gentlemen at Des Moines. My opinion is that Senator Harlan, if a candidate, will be the strongest, otherwise Gov. Kirkwood. I am content to be re-nominated and occupy my present position, and will feel especially grateful for such mark of confidence in my poor efforts. I hope no one will think I have an aspiration for the Senate. I think if our friends are determined and persistent, at Des Moines, Mr. Noble can be nominated. I shall do all in my power to secure his nomination. I think the McGregor land grant will secure the rapid completion of the railroad to your place, at least. I thank you for complimentary remarks as to the merits of my speech. It will be printed in a few days, when I will send you a few extra copies for distribution. Î received a letter from Mr. Mathews a few days ago, in which he says that our Congressional Convention will not be held till the last of August. This appears to be more satisfactory to all concerned. I think we shall adjourn early in July. I shall be glad to hear from you at any time. Yours in haste, Hon. A. B. F. Hildreth. WM. B. ALLISON. DETROIT, MICH., June 5, 1864. Dear Friend: It has been a long time since any letters have passed between us, although I must acknowledge the receipt of several papers. know not who wrote last, nor do I care. Letters between us are always in order, so I send you a few lines this afternoon. I have never enjoyed better health, nor been more prospered, than dur |