J. T. Alexander to Richard Yates

(Private)

Collector's Office,

United States Internal Revenue,

Tenth District, Illinois.

Greenville, Dec. 2, 1864

Gov. Richard Yates,

Springfield, Ills.,

Dear Friend:

Your package of speeches were rec'd and distributed according to your request. Your letter accompanying, with congratulations on our glorious victory, was rec'd, and would have been answered sooner, but I supposed you would like to hear from our member, Mr. Dresser, and as I did not know how he stood, I thought best to wait a few days for an opportunity to see him. He lives 8 or 9 miles in the country and does not come to town often, so that I have not yet seen him. He has never spoken to me, nor I to him, on the subject of the Senatorship. I have only seen him once since the election, and that was at our jollification, where I had to make a speech; and in the rejoicing and gladness over the general result, the Senatorial

question was overlooked.

Yours of the 29th is before me, and I regret that I cannot tell you how Mr. Dresser feels on the subject; but I think he will not hesitate to vote as he thinks a majority of the Union men of this county would go. However, he may be unable to make up his mind in regard to how the people stand, and would then be influenced by his friends and his own personal predilections.

In regard to myself, you probably remember what I wrote to you four years ago - "that I hoped to see you succeed Douglas in the U. S. Senate." I have long been a personal admirer of your course in public life. I rejoiced at your election to Congress in 1850, and doubly rejoiced when you beat John Calhoun in 1852, notwithstanding the disadvantage you labored under of the then late gerrymandering of the District. Your course in regard to the Nebraska Bill made me feel proud of you, and your defeat in 1854 on account

of that course saddened and grieved me, to think that a good man should be beaten for doing right. The case made such an impression on my mind that I have never yet forgotten that Harris beat you just 200 votes. When at the State Convention in 1858 at Springfield, I heard you declare undying hostility to slavery, regardless of the opinions of others, I exclaimed in my heart: "Dick Yates is one of the best and noblest men of Earth - would to God the country were full of such!"

In 1860 you were my first choice for Governor, and afterwards for the Senate.

I am now speaking the truth frankly, and trust you will forgive me if I touch upon a subject disagreeable to you, and doubly so to me. Soon after you were elected Governor the report became current that you had one serious failing, that of drinking too hard. At first I bitterly denied it, and pledged my word that it was not true; and I continued to deny it until the evidence

became so strong that I could deny it no longer. Since that time I have heard the expression, "Glorious Dick Yates, he would be the best man in the world, were it not for his failing," until my heart has grown sick. Even as late as last night I heard a very intelligent man, our County Clerk, say: "What a splendid record Yates has made for himself. He would be my first choice for the Senate, President, or anything he might want, were it not for his drinking."

To hear such expressions often must be very painful to your friends, and pleasing to your enemies. If the cause for such remarks could be removed, you can hardly imagine how much your friends would rejoice and bless you in their hearts, while they would also praise God for working the change.

I feel deeply on this subject, and know that thousands of others do also, although they may not speak so frankly as I do. It may be that I am too frank, and will lose your esteem and friendship on account of it. If so, I shall regret it; but remember, Governor, I am still your friend, and will stand by you.

I will see Mr. Dresser the first opportunity, & use my influence in your favor, if it is needed. I will also try to be at Springfield at the opening of the Session. Please drop me a line. Very Respectfully,

J. T. Alexander.

Alexander J. T.

Greenville Dec. 3d 1864.

Has received speeches and properly distributed.

Has not been able to ascertain how Mr. Dresser is on the Senator question but thinks he will support you. Will see him soon & influence him if it is necessary.

Refers to your popularity and to the increase you might have if not for "one failing" &c.

Ansd.