Thomas J. Henderson to Richard Yates

Toulon Stark Co. Ill. July 8. 1864.

Dear Governor,

Your Kind letter of the 5th inst. is received, and I thank you sincerely for it. The interest thus manifested in my behalf, as well as the friendship you have ever shown me is very gratified to my feelings.

I have mingled so little with the people Since I came home, that I really cannot give an intelligent Answer, as to the political prospects in this section. From conversations, however, with friends in this county, I should say every thing is hopeful here, and that the prospects are very good for Mr. Lincoln, and the Union State ticket.

I suppose this Representative District is doubtful, and Unless Stark County can again overbalance the Democratic Majority of Peoria County Democratic Members will if course be Elected. The Peoria Men have never worked as they ought to have done. there has not been that Unity of purpose and Action Among them, necessary to success. They have relied upon Stark County to carry them through, and she has usually done it. And latterly Some of them have been abusing better Men than themselves, And those who have Contributed quite as Much to the general Success in the District, if not a great deal more than they Ever did or Could. But I hope that Representatives May be elected in this District, favorable to you, And any thing I can do in that direction, I will do with a great deal of pleasure.

I would be very glad indeed to see you in the U. S. Senate. I presumed, however, I shall hardly be able to render you much Service, as I propose to Start back to My Regiment next week. My wound has got nearly well, though I am a little lame yet, and it will perhaps be Some time before the Muscles of the leg affected, entirely recover. They are now Weak and Somewhat Contracted, but my Leave of absence has already Expired, and I feel that I ought to be going back. If I can Serve you in any way at any time by letter or otherwise, do not hesitate to command me.

The People of this County will be glad to see you here during the Canvass, And I hope you will come.

As to my promotion I hardly expect it and I almost regret that you wrote to Mr. Lincoln upon the subject for inasmuch as he has been Solicited to promote Me, I feel an anxiety upon the Subject, I would not otherwise have felt. I am frequently asked, why I have not been promoted, by those who have Known of my devotion to Mr. Lincoln, And who perhaps think that personal and political considerations control these Matters. And I am Satisfied that the impression has been Made that I am not in "good Standing" with the President or I would have been promoted. as well as Some others, And for these reasons, More especially, I would be glad to be promoted. but I shall not be disappointed if I am not

I thank you for the Photographs you Enclosed

me, and as Requested I Enclosed Mine for your Daughter's Album. I wish it was better.

Very Sincerely

Your Friend,

Thomas J Henderson.

His Exy Richard Yates.

Governor of Illinois.

Henderson Thos J.

Toulon July 8th 1864,

Has received Governors letter of 5th for which he thanks sincerely.

Every thing is hopeful there and prospects good for Lincoln. The Representative District doubtful and unless Stark County can overbalance Majority in Peoria, Democratic Members will be elected. The people of County will be glad to see Governor during the Campaign, and he hopes can come, Thanks for photo &c &c.