N. Niles to Richard Yates

Belleville Ills.

July 27. 1864

Dr Govr Yates

We shall take steps to secure our County delegation and the Senator. You are right in concluding that the Germans are for you and so is the constituency that will elect if they do elect the senator from St Claire & Madison. The last is the most doubtful county in the state and it is not surprising when you look at our leading men there, who are the last men that you would take to keep a party together. Know Nothing is an---Alton Policy and general & unmitigated selfishness have paralyzed their influence. They are not without envy and jealousy of each other and of outsiders.

W. H. Underwood will run again. He talks with us and professes fair but is unreliable. will act with the Copperheads as heretofore.

Many want me to run. If your interests are involved I will do so. But

[in pencil] File Senatorial

I want to return this fall or Summer to my regt. I am pining, sinking mentally and physically with homesickness ---i.e---a desire to be again in the field.

Govr.---Do you not know Palmer well enough (and he you) to know his intentions. His brother here with whom I am intimate may know or be able and willing to ascertain. He told me some months ago that John (his bro.) had no aspirations to be any where else than in the army during the war which will not be over next winter.

A few letters from him would make your election "a sure thing"---this idea, which just occurred to me while writing, I throw out for consideration. I will write you again soon.

Yours Truly

N. Niles

Niles Col N.

Belleville Illinois

July 27th 1864.

Will secure County delegation all right. Underwood will run again. If Governers interest is involved he (Niles) will run---but he wishes to return to his Regiment this fall. &c &c,

(Senatorial)

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