J. E. Callaway to Richard Yates

                        Office J A Dist of the Etowah

                              Chattanooga Tenn  (Dec) 1864.

His Excellency

     Hon Rich. Yates

                              Dear Gov'r,

                                             Your letter of the 17" (inct?) was received yesterday, having been opened & remailed by my father at Tuscola.  The following is an extract from his letter of transmittal: "Enclosed find a letter from Gov Yates. His speeches had not come to hand last night, of course they are for distribution in this region of Country & unless otherwise directed I shall distribute them.  I presume they should be sent to the members elect of the Legislature.  I think it will be to Your interests (& to the Govr's) to be at Springfield as requested by the Govr & I hope you will have that a fixed thing in your mind: So we hope You will make every necessary arrangement to be at home about that time.  I will try & see Mr Jones of Bourbon (our member elect JEC) & feel him & ask him to send the Speeches to other members".  I quote so much of my fathers letter

that you may know what disposition has been made of your Speeches. & that also that You have a firm friend in the person of my humble but honorable "paternal (deniston?)." Your letter was intended to be Confidential, but I assure You, Your Confidence will not be abused by my father as he is a warm admirer & zealous supporter of yours. I had given him authority to open & if necessary to answer any letters that might be sent to Tuscola during my absence in the army.

   A few days ago, I wrote you a rather lengthy letter explaining the Cause of my absence from home & from the Canvass just Closed.  I hope ere this You have received that letter.

   I hope Governor, You may have no opposition & that You may be elected with a glorious & enthusiastic unaminity.  It will be a matter of pleasure of Choice & I may say of duty with me to render you all the assistance in my power & if I were at home now & during the sitting of the Legislature or even then, that influence would not be inconsiderable.  How about Genl's Palmer and Logan will they make efforts for the position?

    I would like to be posted so that knowing the position of the enemy, I can maneuver to advantage.

I have heard nothing except that they are both in Illinois & Palmer is thought to have "Cleared for action."

     if I am not fortunate enough to be at Springfield at the opening of the Session, I will however keep my pen busy & I think I can do something in that way.  I am intimately acquainted with Three (3) members from my immediate locality & perhaps others but I am intimate with Messr Jones of Douglas, S.P. Spink of Edgar (Edit??) and Freeland of Moultrie. I think I will have as much influence with the gentlemen above named as any one from our State.  I was the Choice of Messrs Spink & Freeland, for Congress last Spring but I gave way to Mr Bromwell. Mr Bromwell promises me that whatever I wanted if in his power I should have; or at all events his assistance.  Now I will write & tell him the first thing I wish to accomplish is, that you must have the pleasure of bowing Richardson out of "my (Douglas') place" & of taking it yourself.

  I will immediately write to Jones, Spink & Freeland & urge them not only to support You but to do all within their power to secure Your triumphant election.  Mr.Spink is quite an able man & a zealous worker

I feel confident he will support You & if he does, he will do to consider one of (illegible) "main Spokes." Look well to his support. He is an intensely radical man & I think will make his mark in the Halls of our Legislature.

 I must if possible (even if I leave the Service) be present at Springfield at the beginning of the Session.  If I am not present the cause will be that "uncle Samuel" says I can not go.  I do not think Genl Thomas is disposed to let one out of the Service.  If I should determine to leave, & as I shall probably only have a few days in which to operate in order to carry our permits Can it be arranged through You with the War Department?

  Now Gov'r I have been in the Service over Three years and Seven months & I came out a Captain.  If I am to remain in the army I want promotion & I think I can produce the highest recommendations.  But if I have my choice I would like a position as a U S. Dist att'y. & consequently my discharge from the Service. I have by my loss of time in the service made a blank & unprofitable waste of three & a half years of my life, so far as Civil pursuits are concerned, & I think I should now be looking to my future.  Do you know whether Weldon will continue as U.S. Dist att'y? or do you know of any probable vacancy (pari? passer)?  Please let me know in regard to this.  If I can not obtain a position as U.S. atty at Some point I wish if possible to be appointed in the Judge advocate's Department of the army with the rank of Col or at least Lieut Col.  There are as I learn vacancies in that Dept & from my knowledge as a civil practitioner & large experience as a Judge advocate of Mil. Courts I will have no difficulty in obtaining testimonials, but I am not positive there is a rank in the J.A's Dept of Lieut Col.  I am permitted to use some of the highest authorities in the army as References __  Besides Mil. authorities, I can obtain the assistance of Several eminent lawyers also that of Hon John P Usher.

                                                     (Dec 1864)

In regard to appointments I am informed by a former officer of my regt that one Edwin Harlan (formerly a Captain in the 21st) has applied for a reappointment in the army, I think in the U.S. Dept.  Allow me to say Govr that in my opinion it is our duty to prevent him from obtaining any position in the army. Harlan is a bad & a dishonest man & a "Copperhead".  He supported the "Peace" Party & voted for Robinson Allen & Co.  My informer is an old officer of Harlans Company & is unquestionably the most unexceptionable authority.  He (my informer) was late a Candidate for Circuit Clerk in Marshall County but by the acts of Harlan & Robinson Allen & men of that ilk was defeated.

 I crave Your pardon Gov'r for inflicting You with so long a letter but justice to the Subjects mater would not permit a more brief communication.  Hoping to hear from You very soon & with a wish for your health happiness & prosperity I am as Ever

                                      Yours Most Truly

                                          J E Callaway   

                                            Maj & Judge advocate 

                                               Dist of the Etowah  

Callaway Maj J E

Chatanooga Dec. 1864

Your letter was forwarded to him by his Father, who is your devoted friend_ He will be in Springfield even if he has to resign from the army, which he would do if he could if he cannot be promoted. Having been in the army 3 years & 7 months he thinks he deserves promotion _ he prefers the position of U.S_ Dis't Att'y_ Cannot you intercede for him for promotion to Judge Advocate with rank of Col. or Lt Col._ or to obtain position of Dist Atty.