William S. Pope to Richard Yates

Galena Ills, Oct. 15th 1864

His Excellence, Richd Yates, Springfield, Ills

Dear Governor:

I have been through the District and find Matters All right - Some say they are sorry for One thing - "That Dick will drink pretty hard sometimes" - I Explained to them that these reports were Exaggerated - And that I had Every confidence if you should be sent to the senate - with this feeling on the part of the people that you would redeem your pledge to become at least Temperate in the use of liquors - Governor This is the only thing that could possibly beat you for anything you want - but not Even this shall foil you this time -

I have not left a candidate for the Legislature without the full and hearty promise to vote for "Gov Yates for the US Senate

I Expected to have seen Washburn here - but he is not at home - Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Ind give us the key vote - long may they abide in the faith -

I return home to St Louis tonight to send home Every sick and invalid Soldier and All who can be spared till after Election - I see the Evidence gathering fast, that we shall have a great majority at this Election - And I am confident of your Election being made Sure At a meeting in Lee County a few days since after talking an hour and a half I proposed cheers for Yates for the U.S Senate - It would have done you good to have heard those shouts - They come from the Soul

As Ever Your Obt Serv't

Wm S Pope

Pope Wm S

Galena Oct 15/64

Says he has been through the Dist & found matters all right. The candidates for legislature with whom he has talked are all for "Dick Yates for US Senator." The prospects are everywhere bright & the signs of the times indicate the triump of the Union Cause & the sure election of Govr Yates to the Senate.

He goes to St Louis immediately to send home every sick & Invalid soldier, that they may vote.

Senatorial

[written sideways]

File without answer

State of Illinois, Executive Department, Springfield Oct 14th 1864

Lt Col Jas Oakes