A. F. Stevenson to Richard Yates

Chicago Dec. 3. 1864

His Excellency

Govorner R. Yates.

Springfield, Ills.

Dear Governor

I desire to acknowledge the receipt of your esteemed letter of 30th ult. and also the package of your speeches. I shall distribute them with great deal of pleasure among the many friends you have in this city. I suppose you are fully aware that the Senatorial question grows warmer and warmer every day. I should not have alluded to it, did I not fear that you might construe entire silence on my part as inimical to you. Such is not the case. I said in the commencement that I should not pledge myself for any man till I got to Springfield and I mean to stick to it. I shall try to ascertain the wish of my constituents, and carry it out. If I can get through with a couple of cases I have to try next week, I shall come down to Springfield to provide a place where I can stay during the session, if I do, I shall call on you

Believe me as ever

Yours truly

A. F. Stevenson.

Stevenson A. F.

Chicago Dec 3d 1864.

Has received speeches &c & will distribute them with pleasure among your many friends there

The Senatorial question grows warmer & warmer every day.

He would say nothing about it but fears that entire silence might be construed that he was against you. Such is not the case. He will not pledge himself for any man until the sitting of Leg---& will then carry out the wish of his constituents

Will call on you next week