Joseph Medill to Richard Yates

Confidential

Tribune Office,

Chicago, Ill., July 3 1862.

Gov Yates

Dr Sir

Well we have beaten a secesh constitution – provided we are not cheated on the soldiers vote. A circular has been sent out from Springfield signed by [illegible Hicocks?] addressed to prominent democrats imploring them to unite & cause to be written letters to the democrats in the army to vote for the constitution & giving the present location of all the regiments. It is said that thousands of those circulars have been sent out. You better have some one to look into this matter They will cheat us if they can.

What about the extra session? We hope you will not risk calling one, without previous careful consultation with the prominent Republicans. We of the Tribune are firmly of opinion that it would be unwise policy and perhaps fatal, to call it together. We think our party has every thing to loose and nothing to gain by such step. Had the constitution been adopted it might have been proper to convene it as a “forlone hope” on the grounds that we had some thing to gain but nothing to loose, but since the dog is dead the case is exactly reversed In the first place the cost of an extra session will be awfull harped on by

the Democrats & is a serious objection. 2nd That stumptail legislature is in bad odor with the public. 3rd We can not secure a maj. in each house without resorting to steps that are wholly indefensible before the people. We can not justify or apologize for restoring Dr. [Coyers?] or Bestor to their seats, and furthermore Ogden can not be induced to vote for their retention. 4th It will not do to order a special election in one district to fill a vacancy and not in another. 5th [Learn?] that the Chicago Times folks say that if special elections are not ordered in the Sangamon, Peoria, Coles & Decatur districts elections will nevertheless be held in them.

6th It is better as it is that there are only 13 districts for Congress, as you can order or recommend the 14th member by general ticket, and the naming of such candidate will excite interest throughout the State, will bring out a full Republican vote, thereby save the doubtful and close legislative districts and give us 8 of the 13 M.C.'s. There can be no doubt but Congress will promptly admit such member under the peculiar circumstances of the case. These are the views of the matter held by our leading Republican friends of Chicago and Northern Illinois. I wish I could see you personally on the subject.

5

As to the Senatorship I presume I may say that it is no secret here that you would be pleased to be chosen and I will say plainly and candidly that I deem your chances for the place tenfold better at the hands of the next legislature, because 1st the chances are immense against our having control of both branches, or either for that matter – the senate we can't get. Ogden will not sanction the scheme to have Bestor and [Coynes?] take the seats they resigned or vacated 2nd The prejudice and wrath against you for calling together an extra session for the purpose

J. Medill [July 3 1862]

of securing your own election, as it will be alledged, will be such as must certienly to defeat you. A number of members will not go with or be bound by a caucus at all under such circumstances.

We have gotten out of an awful scrape by the defeat of the new constitution. Let us do nothing to impair our position. Let us husband all our strength for the decisive struggle next fall. Let us keep the field clear of impediments and do not let personal ambition do any thing to peril our cause.

We want to win back this city next fall and elect our seven representatives, and nothing must be done to give Long John and the Times a hook on us. Else we shall surely be cleaned out.

Very truly yours J. Medill

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