A. B. Barrett to Richard Yates

Mt Vernon Ill Dec 6/64

Gov Yates

Dr Sir

Capt Partridge, just from Springfield, informs me that Your Hon appears to think, our Union men here---myself among the number---are using our influence in behalf of Genl Logan for the US Senate. While I would not, if I had the power, do anything to detract from this well earned fame of Gen Logan, a man that I so highly esteem, yet I am free to say that I am in favor of conferring the Senatorship on one of the old, tried, cornerstones of the great antislavery party of the County That man is Gov Yates. I have had no other choice, and have expressed in favor of none other.

I have never found but one objection to Gov Yates---and that, not to his head or heart---but to one habit

and that one I hope he will not carry with him to the National Councils.

I ask no pardon for the above, for I know your Hon prefers plainness to, sycophancy or deception.

The Unionist of this place is for Gen Logan. Why I know not. Certainly without consulting any of our promised Union men---the course of the paper is shaped by the Editor him self.

At his request I contributed largely to its columns during the campaign. Since this election have had no connection with it---further than buy a stockholder in this press &c

It is an able paper and richly deserves a far better support than it gets from the State. To pubish a Union paper here is an upgrade all the time.

I hope the foregoing personal explanation will fully disabuse your mind on the subject alluded to.

Trusting that you will

receive the unanimous vote of the Union members of the Legislature I remain with very great respect

Your Obt Servt

A B. Barrett

Barrett A.B.

Mt Vernon Dec 6th 64

Is informed you have opposition to the Senate & that you appear to think that he & other Union men there are against you & for Logan.

While he would not do anything to detract from the well earned fame of Gen'l Logan yet he cannot go against you