W. D. Wyatt to Richard Yates

            (confidential)

         Lincoln Ill. Dec. 17th 1864

Gov. Yates_

              Dear Sir-  I had greatly hoped, as I very-much desired, to have heard from you before now relative to the promotion of Capt B.B. (Pegrave?) of Co "C" 106 Regt Ills_ Vol Infantry to the Liut Col'ey of that Regiment _ not that it would personally benefit me one cent; but because Capt Pegraves is justly entitled to the position indicated by senority, qualification and merit_ and secondly because Your old friend Wm B. Pegrave, has become

very anxious and restive about the matter as your Gubernatorial term draws near to its close_ He speaks to me about the matter daily and is very uneasy about it _

    We beg you to make the appointment as a matter of justice as well as personal favor; and are confident and assure you that no one here will be dissatisfied with you for so doing __

     I urge this for and in behalf of the applicant and his relations and friends

who would not expect or request the same if they did not deem it right and just to (Pegrave?) and for the good of the service _ So far as I am concerned when I desire you to do anything for me personally I shall not hesitate to make my wishes known _ yet some of those who are endeavoring to defeat you for U.S. Senator (avow?) that you are Mortgaged for twice as many promises as you can fulfill_ and they are making votes against you by making some

persons believe that there is much truth in the Report _

     Gen. Palmer's friends are moving Heaven & Earth as the saying is to secure his success; and they are doing more than you are aware of towards the accomplishment of that end _ I know a number of very strong men who were for you in the outset but who are now working like (Badgers?) for Palmer _ some of them are moving around I doubt not making secret arrangements_ So you had better be diligent_ Yours tr

                 W. D. Wyatt

Wyatt W.D.

Lincoln Dec. 17th 64.

Again urges the promotion of Cap't (Pegrave?) to Lt Col- as a matter of Justice &c Palmers friends are working hard and accomplishing much toward your defeat

Beware!