E. B. Payne to Richard Yates

Waukegan Ills.

Hon Richard Yates:

Dec. 5 1864

Dear Sir:

Your letters & copies of speeches &c. have arrived. I thank you kindly for your interest in behalf of my friend Alfred Ames. I understood the rule you mention and hardly hoped of there being an opening for him

In his case we must wait and hope. I was much astonished and pained to receive from the Adjt Genl. in reply to my recommendation of Wells C Morrill Q. M. Sergt. of the 37" Ills. for Q. M. of Ill regt. a letter saying "that your rec.m came too late. A commission has already issued as Quartermaster 37" Ills. to James M Culbertson a private!"

This Culbertson is a mere boy - a new recruit without any experience - and is not the choice of the regt. - Col Black may have recommended him because he is Col Black's cousin. W. C Morrill on the contrary was the choice of every officer except perhaps the Col. - A Quartermaster Sergt. entitled to it by rank & experience having been in service for four years - He enlisted

with me from this county. - I had supposed that there was "no deviation from the rule" that a private could not be appointed over an officer without very strong reasons - but it seems I was mistaken. - Although I do not belong to the regt. any more, I have a strong interest in it and I cannot refrain from speaking of the injustice of the thing when I see brave and worthy officers discarded for privates because they are relatives.

In relation to Senator. I shall vote as the people of my county direct. There is no telling now what will be the sentiment of this people four weeks hence. I think now however a majority of this county are in your favor. I have the facilities for ascertaining the will of this people every week and I shall be instructed before I leave for Springfield - Your speaches will be distributed as requested. - Personally I have a very high regard for you. In common with my brother soldiers from Illinois I could wish you the brightest future -

I understand that you are to be at Evanston on Wedns. night. I would be down but unfortunately I start on a visit for a week, tomorrow morning and cannot possibly be down.

I am Sir Respectfully

Your Obt Servt

E. B. Payne

Payne E B. Hon

Waukegan Dec 5/1864

Sorry that Morrill could not be appointed QM as he requested - and that a private should have been promoted over him because he was a relative of the Col.

He will vote for Senator as his constituents direct. A majority in the county are now for you. No telling how they will be in four weeks. Has facilities for ascertaining their views once a week.

Niles - Please come up this morning - bring this & the papers - come now if you can -

Tell Col. Rogers I want to see him.