J. W. Sheffer to Richard Yates

New York Aug 13 1863

Dear Governor

I see by the papers that you intend having a large Convention at Springfield Early in Sept. Are you not too Early. Would not the last of the month be better. it would be Cooler and the people I think would have more time. I presume however that these things have been Considered by the friends. You Cannot be too Careful in wording the Call Make it Short and broad give it as little of a partizen Character as possible So that the Real War Democrats will have no trouble? To them we must in a great measure look for our Success next Election.

Things are very much mixed in these parts and as we Uncle Jessie Says "It looks funny." Those at the head of affairs are Thinking a d-m Sight more about who Shall be the next President than they are about the condition of the Country. I am perfectly satisfied that Mr Lincoln

and Chase are both fairly in the field of this there is no doubt. The Blairs have been running Mr Lincoln but for Some cause are hauling off. Frank while in New York was arranging matters to bring out Grant and has gone to see his venerable Father to fix a programm by which it can be did. This you can depend on. Fremonts friends are working hard. he has just concluded an arrangement to organize a Stock Company of his Mariposa Estate which has just put him in possession of about two & half Millions of dolls the Herald and other papers are [showing?] by their favorable notices of Fremonts chances. That some of the Money has been disbursed Now all I want to say is this. That we in Illinois dont want to be in a hurry in making up our minds about Presidential matters but let this thing ferment and work awhile we will then be in position to do what is best for the country let us hold our Convention and get

up all the War Spirit and and love of Country we can and the rest will come in good time. I will remain East a couple or three weeks longer. will spend a few days in Washington and if I dont find out how the Political Machine is being run before I leave it will not be my fault. I will go [home?] by Springfield & see you.

I hope you wont Think me presumptuous in Making suggestions to men like you who know more than I do. My only excuse is that I have a habit of that sort and cant help it. I assure you that I feel that our Friends at Washington are thinking too much about Presidential matters for the common good.

Remember me to the friends about State [House?]

Your Friend

J.W. Sheffer

Private

J. W. Sheffer New York Aug 13 63 Presidential Candidate

File Private