L. W. Shepherd to Richard Yates

                    Assistant Quartermaster's Office,

Personal.

                                        Chicago, Ills., Dec 14 1864.

Governor: -

       Having been, on the 1st Inst, ordered here from the Army in Kentucky, it is with profound regret that I observe, in common with other Illinois Officers and soldiers, a great Effort being made by public Journals, here and Elsewhere, to seek, by issues entirely unworthy of them, your defeat for Senator. 

       In the language of a gallant soldier, well known to you and to the Country. "To defeat Dick Yates for Senator would be as great an outrage as if Douglas had been beaten by his own party, when they attained the power, in 1858-9." and so it would be.

       The Army below so well understood you were to be Senator, and so appointed it,

that to have named any other public man for the honor would have been fruitless of success, to say the least.

       Had the district issue to be now made (for the Office) to popular vote, You would carry 15 out of 20 votes of every Regiment, battallion, battery &c, and a majority of the home vote.  There could be no doubt as to results.

       Believing it to be my duty & as a faithful soldier of the Country to add my testimony to Your great worth as a public man, & to assure you of my hearty support, I write this.

       Trusting the Representatives of the people will think you "the man for the place" & so act,

                               I am, Governor, with great Respect,

                                         Your Obt. Servt:

                                                                L. W. Shepherd.

                                                               Capt. &  a.q.m.

Shepherd A. L. A.Q.M

Chicago Dec 14th 1864

In common with all Illinois officers & soldiers it is with profound regret that he sees Public Journals & leading men in a manner unworthy of them, opposing you for the Senate. If your Election was put to the vote of the people- 15 of every 20, in every Reg't Bat, & Compy would be for you & two thirds of the house vote &c_ He deemed it his duty to write you as a soldier &c _

Ans'd