Richard Yates to S. S. Phelps

State of Illinois

Executive Department.

Springfield Dec. 10th 1864.

S.S. Phelps Esq.

Dear Friend,

I thank you for your very kind and interesting letter - and with pleasure I reply to your question. - I was a good deal like yourself and thought there would be no opposition for Senator. but it seems there is to be an effort. - Mr Washburne has declared himself a Candidate, and he has been trying to join teams with Gen'l Logan and Gen'l Palmer to try & secure my defeat. - Whether Logan & Palmer have consented to become candidates I do not know. I saw your Representative Mr Simpson today and he says he is not com-

mitted. I hope you will have what influence you can brought to bear upon him. without telling him it is suggested by me. - It hardly seems fair to try and get up an opposition to me now. when it is remembered that two years ago the Union Republicans voted for me unanimously for Senator against Richardson and our Union friends have everywhere held out encouragements to justify me in beleiving that if we carried the Legislature, I would be their Candidate for U.S. Senator. - also that the Union party voted for such a result, among others at the late election. also that Farnsworth's Congressional district at this last convention of delegates, from every county voted unanimously that I was their first, last and only choice. also that numerous county conventions (including Sangamon) voted the secure thing, and many

[Dec 10 1864]

other County Conventions offered to do the same thing (including my own county of Morgan). but I requested them not to do so as that was well enough understood. Also when it is an indisputable fact, I suppose, that nineteen out of every twenty of our Union voters, and nearly all our Soldiers in the field desire my Election. It is also a fact that Washburne, Palmer & Logan each has a high and lucrative position already, and will be in the public service anyhow while if I am not elected I will have to retire from the public service, which I would not like to do during the existence of the trouble in which our country is involved.

I will say however that so far I have most favorable reports from the various members, and my election seems very certain if a fair Expression can be had.

I would like to have as near a unanimous vote as possible, as that would give me a favorable recommendation to the Senate, & to the country, and a position of greater influence for my State and for my friends. - I have have had a good deal

of Legislative experience, six years in the Legislature, and four years in Congress, and having been the intimate friend of Mr Lincoln for 25 years I think I would have as much consideration at his hands and at the hands of the members of his Cabinet (with all of whom I am personally acquainted) in getting justice for our State, as any man who might be sent there. - I think both Mercer and Henderson would like to see me there, and, therefore I request that you will take some pains in the two Counties, and also in Warren & McDonough, to be sure that the Representation & Senator are right. Please let me hear from you and beleive me

Most sincerely

Your Friend

Rich. Yates