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MAYOR'S OFFICE
City Hall
Saint Louis, May 24th 1864
Mr. John Snyder,
Dear Sir:
At the suggestion of McKee and Fishback I write you upon a subject which I think will elicit your sympathy. You may have noticed in my salutary Five items, the sword contest, and have seen that glorious Ben Butler is second in the race. Hancock being first. The Hancock run is personal pride merely of a few friends here and is nearly exhausted but the leading Radicals have determined to give the sword to Butler if possible. There is a club working for McClellan and Frank Blair also, to pile in the votes at last. Now if we can get any help from Atwood we can beat them as the Germans are all strong for Butler and we make plans on foot to raise $2000 in the City alone, The (illegible) will give us $1000. and the loyal (illegible) in N.Y, Chicago & Cincinnati have promised to help. McClellan is the one we fear most. Now we understand Gov Yates is an admirer of Ben Butler and we know
that in your Illinois Convention of Republicans he had many friends. Wont you consult with some of these friends and raise as much money as you can to help us as always. If it is only $100. it will help, but we think $500. a moderate sum from everybody and if we get the latter sum we guarantee to give the amount to Butler. We are trying to make a point for St Louis in the matter. Beside every cent helps the cause and the Illinois soldiers in the field, McKee & Fishback are heartily engaged in this cause and are giving Men money freely to carry it along The money may be sent to St Louis direct, or to Chauncey I. Fuller, Ex Mayor who is Treas' of the Butler fund, of course all this must be kept secret or it will wing its way to St Louis quicker than a flash
Very Respectfully
Most professionally
Samuel R. Weed
Samuel R. Weed St Louis May 24th 1864
Private File