Francis E. Eastman to Richard Yates

Chicago Ill

Feb. 25, 1864

Gov. Yates:

My Dear Sir, Your kind letter gave me a great deal of pleasure, and its suggestions in regard to preparing myself for the approaching canvass I am already acting upon. I shall be ready to enter the field whenever my friends think it best. Meantime, I am not idle. Quietly I am pushing my claims to a seat in the Senate, and at present have no doubt but I will succeed. I addressed, in company with Senator Ward, a large and spirited meeting in one of my country towns on Monday. I do not pledge myself to any one for Congress;

but I may say to you that Ward's chances appear to be good. Arnold or Wentworth or Scripps -- I pray not Wentworth -- may beat him; but it don't look that way now.

Your prospects I know are good. They are as good, certainly, as those of the Union party. And it does not seem to be doubted by our friends, so far as I know, that we will carry the State.

Your late splendid proclamation is having and will continue to have an inspiriting effect. It is motiveal for many stump speeches.

Allow me to say to you (all in private!) that you have a most rare and happy faculty of doing exactly the right thing at precisely the right time.

Some allusion you made in your letter I do not quite understand, but you will make it all clear when you come. When are you coming? There is talk of inviting you here to make a speech before the Union Club. It has a new set of officers, but they are our friends. They are negotiating for a suitable hall, and I do not know when they will be ready to open.

My wife desires one to thank you for your picture; it is capital. We are sorry we cannot send you ours for your daughter -- we have none at present.

Very truly yours,

Francis A. Eastman

Private

Eastman F. A.

Chicago Feby 25 1864

Has received Governors letter will be ready for the field whenever his friends think best. He is not idle and is pushing his claims for a seat on the Senate. &c &c

File Private

Executive Office Feby 27 64