A. A. Terrell to Richard Yates

Sterling, Ill. Nov 29, 1864

Gov Yates

Dr Sir

Your very kind favor of the 21st inst. is at hand and contents noted. In reply I have the honor to say, that when I wrote you last August to speak here, I simply asked you to redeem a pledge of your own making.

When you wer advertised to speak at Fulton, you can judge of the feelings of our people at such a strange appointment.

The day you spoke there I was absent to fill an appointment of my own hence none of our people attended the meeting.

You spoke confidently of your chances for the U.S. Senate.

I think Governor to be frank and candid with you that you are far too sanguine unless you are relying upon strength outside of our party. I know of those opposed to you, and whether justly or not, my impression is that it will require good management to secure them.

I think some of your friends have been treated coldly and their wishes disregarded, while those who could not aid you have been treated with more than ordinary courtesy.

No matter how much I could wish this were otherwise, we must deal in facts as we find them and know them to be. Men expecting to ask public favors should ever live for his friends & let

his enemies go.

I cannot say that I am an idle spectator in this contest, & I shall watch its progress with some anxiety and shall not be indifferent as to the results.

I am strongly of the impression that some of our party men need a lesson taught them, that all men are not selfish in this context that there are those who ask none & expect none of the "loaves & fishes" only that our country may live and prosper.

Thanking you Governor for the kind spirit of your letter I remain

Yours most truly,

A. A. Terrell

Terrell A. A.

Sterling Nov. 29/64

Has received your letter &c - says when he asked you to speak there last August he only wanted you to redeem a pledge of your own making - and that when you spoke at Canton his neighbors thought it a very strange appointment. - Says he thinks you are altogether too sanguine of success in getting to Senate unless you depend upon the support of those outside of the party. he knows of those in the party who are opposed to you - and who will work for your defeat. He says you have not done as much for your friends as you have for your enemies. You have shown too many favors to those who are not reliable friends - and thinks a man who expects public favors should ever live for his friends and let his enemies go.

Thanks you for the friendly spirit of your letter

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Senatorial & Private