George H. Harlow to Richard Yates

Gr. Secretary's Address GEO. H. HARLOW P.O. BOX 500, Springfield, Ills In communicating with Gr. Secretary, please give Name, No. and P.O. Box address of your Council Union League of America OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF THE ILLINOIS GRAND COUNCIL Pekin Oct 26th, 1864 Governor Richard Yates Springfield Ill Sir I again write you, for your interest as well as my own and that of our country. I have just recd a letter from a member of Co K 146th Ill Vol now at Camp Butler saying that the voters of that company desire to come home (Pekin & this County) to vote. Capt Williams took a vote of his company and the count was 87 for Lincoln and 4 for "Little Mac". Such being the case, it would be a Sin to refuse them away from the polls on the 8th of Nov. I hope you will have it arranged to let them come home on or before that time. The 108th Reg (& Co H 4th Cavalry) nearly every one in Co B and Co A being Union men

from this county ought by all means be allowed to come home. I believe they are doing provost duty at Vicksburg and Memphis and it does seem to me they could be spared for the important duty they will perform on the 8th not only the votes but the influence they will exert will be of great advantage. This matter is too important to wink at or to let go by default and I trust you will do all in your power to bring it about. The 47th Veterans are now doing Provost duty at Jefferson City - under command of Gen Rosecrans. They should by all means come home for every man is for Old Abe and the entire ticket. A little extra trouble will save this county senatorial and Congressional District. Of course, you are well aware of the vital

importance of the result of the coming elections not only in reference to our country, but to yourself individually. Both our representative and Senator in the State Legislature will cast their vote for you as United States Senator if they are elected, if not, in the person of John Blevins and Dr. S. R. Suttenstall you will have most determined and bitter opposers. Surely your influence with the war department or at least with Commander of Departments ought to bring this about. There are but a few days to work in and I would suggest that messengers be sent immediately to Gen Rosecrans and other Commanders in order to get such soldiers as I have mentioned furloughed for a few days. This is one of the doubtful counties

and the Senatorial and Congressional Districts are doubtful and in my humble opinion no effort should be spared to carry them on the side of the Union. We expect to have an Extra Grand mass meeting here on the 2nd of November. Gen Oglesby will be here. As there is a great desire expressed by every one to hear "our gallant and noble Governor Dick Yates" I hope you will try to be here. Please let me know by telegram if it will be possible for you to be here. This will be a meeting that will benefit you in particular. If the weather is pleasant this meeting will eclipse anything of the kind held here or in the county. The importance of the matter discussed will be my excuse for this lengthy letter. Respectfully Yours Geo H Harlow

Harlow Geo H Pekin Oct 26 64 Wants certain Ill soldiers home to vote & Gov to come there to speak on 2nd Nov

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