J. A. Eastman to Richard Yates

Chicago Ill. Feb 18, 1863.

Governor Richard Yates,

Dear Sir: I see from the Springfield reports of "The Times" that the Copperheads are determined to make you further trouble. Knowing the facts as I do, I am astonished that the protestants should be capable of such meanness. There is not one of the people, high or low, whom I have met, who is not [illegible], and who does not express his sympathy for you.

Some of our German friends - those of them who think of sending Caspar [Butz?] to Congress -- were at first disposed to find fault with you for signing the Congressional apportionment bill. Yesterday it was reported by "The Times" that you had not signed it-and a dozen men [requested?] me to telegraph you upon the subject. Mr

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[Medill?] told me last night that he should write to you.

Now, the bill is a hard one for the Republicans. Upon the basis of the last Spring's election the Democrats will have about five hundred majority. But I am thinking that you have already signed the bill; and if you have not, I will not presume to offer my advice. I know you will do the best you can under the circumstances, and that will be right, though some may complain.

I dropped into the "Tribune" office late last night and found that nothing has been written in reply to "The Times." So I hurriedly wrote a few lines under the heading "My Copperhead [Protest?]". Perhaps I will write another article to-day in which I will mention the fact that Ohio gives her governor $122,000 as a contingent fund.

Dr. Buck left with me the

other morning a paper for the signatures of our members praying you to put some new men in the place of Powell in the Board of Penitentiary Commissions. I have obtained the signatures.

Permit me to add, that if in your opinion the place would be a suitable one for me, or you can consistently give it to me, I would hold myself under lasting obligations to you.

Respectfully, Your ob't servant, J.A. Eastman

Private J.A. Eastman Chicago - Feb 18th - 1863. Says yesterday the "Times" reported that the Gov had not signed the Congressional app't bill and a dozen men requested me to telegraph you immediately. He dropped into the Tribune office and finding nothing in reply to the "Times" wrote a few lines - perhaps he will write another article to-day in which he will mention that Ohio gives her Gov $122,000 as a contingent fund - D. Buck left a paper with him the other day for the signature of these members praying the Gov to appoints some new man in the place of Powell in the Board of Penitentiary - Mr. Eastman would like the position.

[7th?]