Alfred W. Perry to Richard Yates

Geneseo Dec 1st 1864

Hon R Yates

Dr Sir

Yrs of 21st ult duly at hand also package of yr speech delivd at Bryan Hall which I have freely distributed & has been acceptably recd. All rejoiced (from the result) to receive yr Congratulations respecting the result of the Election both local & general, truly we have cause to be proud of our own state. You will recollect when you was here I placed our County majority---about 1200---considering that we had sent about 2000 boys to the field & our largest majority---before now 1490---but the figures roll up at the last election 2140 for the Union the same increase throughout many localities of course prepared us not

to be astounded at the final result. But to other points, I had intended writing you soon as you requested but was looking over the ground a little & feeling of some of our folks in reference to the campaign in prospect viz before the Legislature. I find nearly all of our people are in favor of yr honor for the Senatorship without any ifs or buts from a positive sense of obligation for yr past public services---although under other circumstances they might have favored one of the other Candidates named. I yesterday recd a letter from Wm Pitt Kellogg making some enquiries about the surroundings here & wishing me to advise you of the facts. Our leading men as I stated are all in favor of yrself that I have conversed with, with one exception & that is on personal grounds. I to day met our Elector J B Burnett of Galva under the circumstances he is unqualifiedly for you

& also says---Col Stout of Galva who I believe you are personally acquainted with & Olaf Johnson the leader of the Swedes & others at Galva are pledged with their influence to you. Our representative Marcus M Ford who is from Galva is comparatively a newcomer with us. I have a very slight acquaintance with him as he has never been a public character at all but the opposite a very quiet, unassuming man, Burnett says he is uncommitted he will do what he can with him (Ford). Burnett will go to Springfield on Monday & as he (Burnett) will not put himself forward you had better yourself or some friend see him & urge upon him the necessity of setting Ford right---without knowing positively. I think Webster our Senator from Rock Island is all right. It seems to me wrong that we shod have the least contest for the Senatorship this winter & hoped there wod be but one candidate but we must make due allowances

for the aspirations of all men. our paper will come out with Editorials for you next week unqualifiedly. Still I suppose you are prepared & will expect strong efforts to advance the claims of other aspirants. If possible I will try & see our Senator & Representative & do what I can---if any thing for you & shall be rejoiced to congratulate you on yr success---if it shall be attained.

Respy

Alfred. W. Perry

Perry Alfred W.

Geneseo Dec 1st 1864.

Has received speeches &c. and given them an extensive distribution. They are well received. Is rejoiced to receive your congratulations. We have cause to be proud of our State. His county which he put down at 1200 maj. before election, rolls up a maj. or 2140 &c. Has been looking over the ground and feeling of the people in regard to the coming campaign viz---at the Legislature when a U.S. Senator is to be elected. The people are in favor of you without any ifs or buts from a sense obligation for your past public service. Although under other circumstances they might favor one other candidate. The leading men with whom

he has conversed have declared for you, with but one exception & that on personal grounds.

J B Burnett of Galva. under the circumstances is unqualifiedly for you. as also is Col Stout of Galva. and Olaf Johnson. & Marcus M Ford the representative is the only person of whom he is not sure. Says you had better see Burnett (who comes to Spfld Monday) & get him to attend to Ford. Thinks Webster of Rock Island is all right.