G. D. Henderson to Richard Yates

Granville. Ills

Dec 15th, 64

Hon. Rich Yates

Dear Sir. Yours Enclosing the Enclosed is before me. Should have been answered on yesterday but I could not. I am conversant with Many of the circumstances attending this Case brought before you by said letter. It is not necessary to give a detailed statement. The family of the boy are Comparative Strangers here. Their name is Moncsavie. It Seems this is the boy's second desertion. Hoever, probably, the name John Whisner given by the mother. It seems as far

as I can learn, that he first enlisted under his proper name. Was induced by his Mother and grandfather Whisner - a Copperhead to desert to Avoid being reported by some other relations, he Enlisted again - and was again induced to desert, as he says and is generally believed by his Mother and grandfather.

The boy is less blameworthy than his frinds. He is not a deserter in heart but wanting in decisions of Character has been misled. He was concealed by the family for which they are likely to have to answer.

The letter written to you was doubtless written by the grandfather, Whisner. The statements in many particulars are false. For instance those relative to Dr M Knight and Mr Wardlaw

The Dr was satisfied that he could not certify as to his disability only on their Statement, of the truth of which he had but very little, if any, Evidence. I know Mr W. arrested him with reluctance. only from Sense of his duty as Depy Provost Marshal. As to his withholding papers, Mr. W. says it is false Every word of it, and I believe him. Also, I am Satisfied no reliable or influential Union Men urged an Appeal to you. Other statements I might make, but these are perhaps all that are necessary.

Please accept my thanks for your congratulations on account of our success in the important issues before the Nation. I of course feel some satisfaction in the part of success which falls to me. And I trust I am not insensible to the responsibility of the position.

Our State must be retrieved from the odium resting on us from former wrong legislation, and placed on that vantange ground Which its patriotism, population and resources demand.

Amongst the most important things will be the Election of a fit man to the U. S. Senate. Your favor on this subject has been reserved but pressure of their duties has postponed a reply. Accept my thanks for your frankness in writing me on this subject and I doubt not frankness on my past, will be fully reciprocated by you.

You were correctly informed that I was favorable to you. I refused to give any pledges. I have said to friends, that "I wanted to vote for you, but I must first know, as to the truth or falsity of your being the Subject of an infirmity which by time unfits you for duty" I mean intemperance. I fear it is true, but earnestly hope it may not. If it be, few, if any, can or will regret it more than I

I am undecided as yet, not being satisfactorily posted. I wished to approach you in this matter. I wish to do my duty to the interests involved, and to acknowledge your ability and worth in other respects. Thus I am before you. Will be happy to hear from you.

Truly Yours

G. D. Henderson.

Henderson Hon G. D.

Granville Dec. 15/64

Gives facts in relations to the letter which you cent him. The boy referred to Deserted twice, the first time at the instigation of his mother & Grandfather - a copperhead - Was then induced by other relatives to reenlist, and again induced by Mother & Grandfather to desert. Thinks the boy proud to do right, but led off by others.

In regard to Senator question he is favorable to you, but will make no pledge, until satisfied of the truth of reports of your drinking. He fears they are true, but hopes not. He is undecided at present not being posted.