E. C. Ingersoll to Richard Yates

Confidential

Peoria Sept 30th 1864

My Dear Gov.

I desire to call your attention to the fact that Peoria and Stark Cos elect two members to the Legislature, and that the district is very close. At the election in 1862, Stark Co gave about 500 Union maj. and Peoria gave about 750 Cop maj. We expect Stark Co to give about the same maj this fall. We are moving heaven and earth to carry this county, yet it is not best to be too sanguine. We want all the help we can get We must not lose this district! In order to place it beyond all doubt we must have some of our soldiers allowed to come

home and vote.

I name the following, as among those regts containing the greatest number from Peoria and Stark Cos. The 86th has four Cos from Peoria Co. (and one Co from Tazwell) The 112th has two Cos from Stark. The 77th has two Cos from Peoria. By all means see to it that the boys of the 86th come home. They are all right.

I know of no one more deeply interested in securing a Union maj in the next Legislature than yourself!

Please let me know soon, what we may

rely upon in this regard.

You may set this congressional district down, as certain for 5000 maj for Lincoln and Johnson, and you may bet that the Union candidate for Cong' in this district will score as many.

You must not fail to make a speech in this place before the election; I want very much to see you & have a long talk.

Write me soon, And believe me I am Your Servant

E C. Ingersoll

Ingersoll Hon G. C

Peoria Sept 30/64

Must have Soldiers' vote to save the Dis't

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