A. A. Terrell to Richard Yates

A. A. Terrell,

Wholesale and Retail Dealer in

Groceries, Provisions, Stoneware, Willow Ware, Crockery,

Tobacco, Segars,

Candies, Green and Dried Fruits, &c.

Sterling, Ill., Dec 25th 1862

Govenor Yates

My Dear Sir

Sickness and a press of business is my reason for not acknowledging the Reciept of your kind favor containing a remmittance of fifty Dollars, for the campaign. While your friends wer labouring night and day here to have every Representative and Senator "O.K." it never entered our heads, that we could fail in the Legislature, and Govenor rest assured that it came like thunder bolt upon us, when we awoke to the dread truth, that our hopes wer blasted, and that the Seat which you have so nobly won by your patriotism and zeal for the country, must be filled by a semi-Secessionist. Never in all my life, have I taken a defeat so hard, for I had set

my heart upon it, that the next six years, you would be in the U. S. Senate.

Govenor! I must confess that it looks gloomy indeed, all over the land, defeat after defeat and traitors running rampant all over the free states. My trust is in God, but I must confess that I see but little of his work.

I am afraid the Democrats will make an onslaught on you this winter. If they do veto in Gods name any action they may take, and the loyal people will back you up.

Govenor Yates I want you to cultivate the acquaintance of our State Senator Mr Richards, for I tell you he is a man you can tie up to and confide in him any of your plans of defence, should you be assailed.

He is Keen, sharp, a man of fine talents, a gentleman, and a fine speaker, and I shall be surprised if he does not make his mark in the Senate this winter.

If there is any way that he or myself can aid you, let us know for we are bound to stand by our Govenor to the end.

I shall try and be in Springfield during the winter and then will tell you more than I can write

In great haste

Your Friend

A. A. Terrell

Private

A A Terrell

Sterling Dec 25th 62

Election results. State of country &c. Wishes Gov. to make acquaintance of Senator Richards.