Joseph Medill to Richard Yates

Private

Office of the Daily Tribune.

Chicago, Feb 18 1863.

Gov Yates

Dr Sir

The Congressional apportionment bill is awful. It knocks us out of a member in this county and gives us but five districts in the state—though the popular vote may be Republican by 10,000. If it be not too late I do hope you will withhold your signature and veto it. In our co. it detaches our strongest Republican townships and the 5th and 6th wards and throws them into the Dupage district

& leaves all the remainder of the county in the hands of the copperheads It cuts off territory that gives 2,400 Rep maj. You see the effect. Our Senator Ward did not do his duty on this bill. There is a private but a bad reason for it. Our folks feel terribly chagrined and the copperheads are exultant over the cong. apportionment. Do knock it over the head, if not too late

Yours Truly

J. Medill

State of Illinois

Executive Department.

Springfield Ills 17 Sept 1862

Col A C Fuller

Adjt. Genl.

Sir:

You will please issue an order on the Engineer in chief requiring him to send some one to Shawnee town (where he will report to Col Whiting) for the purpose of repairing arms.

Private

J. Medill

Chicago Feby 18/63.

Don't want Governor to sign Apportionm't Bill.

Legisl.

Answer Have not yet signed but

File