J. W. Scruggs to Richard Yates

Champaign Ill

Nov 28th 1864

Gov Yates

Dear Sir

I recd your note of the 22nd & also the 30 Nov of your Speech mad at Bryan Hall &c/

I am much pleased with the [actions?] advocated in the Speech, & will therefore take pleasure in giving it a free circulation. Your frank & clear method of discussing the great questions of the day (the war & slavery) Suit me exactly.

Human Slavery always was wrong, is now, & ever will be. No power on earth can make it right. I have been highly gratified & much pleased with your course as Gov., & especially

in relation to your vigilance for the comfort of our boys in the field. I have but one Son, an only child who is now in the [van?] of Shearman's Army, & though he has not as yet suffered from wounds others have, & you have been foremost in their relief, & in as much as you have did it unto one of the least of them you have did it unto him. You therefore have my greatful acknowledgement for your afficiant labor, not only for the boys but for this glorious country of ours.

It is no small honor to occupy the Gubanatorial chair of a State, especially that of the great common weath of the State of Illinois. But after closely observing your course

for four years, I am prepaired to Say. "Well done good & faithful Servent, enter into the joys of Something better.

If it is but only, to a seat in the upper house of Congress.

He that is faithful over a few things Shall be made ruler over many. For the Senate the people of our county Say Dick Yates. If I can serve you, let me know.

The "Tribune" of Saturday last has a notice for a meeting of the committee, at Springfield, to consider on the congressional grant of lands to the State &c to be convened on the 9 Dec.

The Horticulturists of the west hold a meeting on the Same date at Bloomington. One or the other should be changed as to time. I shall be down when the committee meets.

Yours Respectfully J. W. Scruggs

P.S. You know we have a proposition to lay before Said committee. We have the finest building in the State to offer to the legislator &c

J W S

D. Scruggs

Scruggs, J.W.

Champaign Nov. 28

Received speeches &c compliments you on your course as Governor. and the interest you have taken in the boys in the army

When you retire from office the people will say "Well done good & faithful servant, enter into the joys of something better"

Hopes you will be Senator the people of that county are for you.

If he can aid you he is at your service.