William S. Pope to Richard Yates

St. Louis Mo.

Oct. 17th 1864

His Excellency, Gov. Richd Yates, Springfield Ills.

Dear Governor:

I have just arrived from Northern Ills. and find your Telegram of the 11th inst wishing me to report at Springfield. I am sorry I was not at home. But I was at work for you day And night.

I went from Springfield to Chicago find they are all righ for you there. Went to Dixon. Saw Camp And others. They assure me that Washburne will not be a candidate. Went out to a large mass meeting in Lee County. Spoke an hour and a half, and It would have done you good to hear the hearty Cheers for Yates for Senator. Was at Polo, Mt Morris and Galena. All go for Yates in that district.

I was informed by Col Turner Chm of the Central Com that they had assigned me to the duty of getting the Ills soldiers home by Election. That is those from Mo. This I am at now. If there is still anything I can do by coming to Springfield, I will start at Evening get my instructions and return, or you can communicate by letter and I will try to meet the demand. Anything connected with obtaining leave for the paroled prisoners I would like to have you work through me.

Hoping Governor that I May still be able to serve my Country through you -

I remain till "further orders" Governor

Very Respectfully, Your Obt Servt

Wm S Pope

Pope Wm S

St. Louis Oct 17th 64

Just returned from Northern Illinois & found the Govr's telegram waiting.

He found them all right at Chicago "for Yates for Senator" - also at Dixon where he was assured that Washburne would not be a candidate at Polo, Mt. Morris, Galena & at a mass meeting in Lee County he forced them all "for Yates"

If he can do anything by coming to Springfield will start immediately Will do all he can to get the Paroled men to vote if the Govr desires it.