A. H. Rodman to Richard Yates

                        (private)

                             Tribune office Dec 9, 1864

Dear Governor.

                     Yours of_____ was duly received.  In accordance with your suggestion I showed it to Mr Medill.  He was pleased with it.  He says that the opposition wont win, that they cant beat you, and he shall be party to no such undertaking.  He says he shall stand aloof from the fight and Keep the Tribune perfectly neutral; that his preferences are with you, and that he hopes you may succeed, and thinks you will when the time of election comes.  I learn (not from him) that parties in Washburne's interest have asked that the columns of the Tribune be thrown open to them, for the publication of affidavits affecting your character for sobriety etc. and that Mr Medill refused to accede to the demand.  He would have nothing to do with attacks upon you.  It was said to Medill that you were "drunk" at Fulton, and that affidavits could be provided to that effect.  I told M. that it was a d__d lie, and that I was willing to make affidavit to the fact that you left Fulton sober etc.

  As you say in yours, the matter looks all right now.  It is generally conceded even

by the warmest friends of the other candidates that your election is in effect a fact accomplished. I hope to be able to congratulate You upon your election early in November. I see by the papers that Green is elected in the Marion Senatorial District after all. Is he a friend of yours?

   I shall probably be in Springfield a day or two at the commencement of the session.

                                                         Yours very truly_

                                                                           A. H. Rodman

Rodman A H.

    Chicago

Tribune Office Dec 9th 1864

Showed your letter to Medill & he was pleased with it. He said he was for you and that they could not beat you _ that he would stand aloof from the fight. and Keep the Tribune Neutral _ That his preferences are for you, & hopes you will succeed, & believes you will

  He learned that some of the Washburn men, asked that the columns of the Tribune be open to affidavits assailing your character for sobriety &c & that Medill refused to allow anything of the Kind.  Medill was told that you were drunk at Fulton _ he told him it was a D__d lie that he would swear you were not &c.