H. M. Blodget to Forrest Haines

Chicago Aug 18. 1864

Dear Forrest

A letter purporting to be a copy of one written by Gov. Yates to Orville Sluper of Lake County is being industriously circulated through that county endorsing E.M. Haines as "One of the most able and efficient Republican members of our State Legislature" and saying in substance that he (The Governor) would consider it a just mistake if for any reason the People of the County should fail to reelect Mr Haines this fall - Now what motive can the Governor have had for writing such a letter. I dont believe he seriously entertains any such opinion of Haines

as is set forth in this letter And I think he could be better employed than in giving Certificates to bolster up a man who but for such outside influence would be dropped dead by his Constituents.

Let me know confidentially what has induced the Governor to write such a letter for I cant deem it possible that it is forged or altered.

Yours truly,

H.M. Blodgett

Blodget as to Haines