M. E. Collins

Pontiac Oct 11th 1864

Hon Richard Yates

Dear Sir

For sometime a notice has been standing in the Chicago Tribune announcing that you would speak in Pontiac on the 17th inst. Our people in accordance with the notice are making preparations to give you an immense meeting.

Bill have been printed and posted all over the County. Committee formed in every township and all the arrangements perfected for the largest meeting ever held in Livingston County - Should the weather be favorable. The Copperheads

held a mass meeting here in a few days since and the had a large crowd and rather have the start of us. Their candidate for Gov Wm Robinson was here together with a number of other speakers and we think they made some capital. We hope our meeting on the 17th will set us all right again. The people are coming out to see you and hear you talk and a disappointment in that respect would damage us by our calculations. If convenient assure me that you will be here so that we can announce it in our County paper this week.

Your Obed Servant

M.E. Collins

M. E. Collins

Pontiac Oct 11/64

Wants Gov to assure him that he will be there on the 17th