William S. Pope to Richard Yates

Poz Dept USA

St. Louis Mo.

Dec 6th 1864

His Excellency

Richd Yates

Gov. of Illinois

Dear Governor:

Your letter came by the hand of Col Fishback. I was gratified to meet him and render him every facility possible in the accomplishment of his worthy mission.

But let me say here Say I regret, very much, the circumstances that hinder me from meeting you at Chicago. Nothing would afford me more pleasure. I would be, also highly pleased to be with you at Evanston. As I know many of the people there.

But I think I can effect as much, perhaps more, from this place, in the way of securing your Election; as I am in correspondence with many of the members of the Legislature, whose letters will be sent here.

Yesterday morning, before the arrival of

Col F. I went to the Democrat office to see the Editors, knowing that some Washburne men had been there. I saw Mr. McGee. And had a long talk with him on the subject of the Ills Senatorship. His concluding remark to me was, "So far as Gov Yates is concerned, we are for him against all others because he is the man for this time. And you may tell him so for us." I went with Col F. to the office in the afternoon. You may look for an artillery fire, for your forces from this quarter till the Election. I will try to enlist all the other Union papers here.

I cannot believe Pinckney will fly his pledges. I wrote to him on receipt of your former letters and Expect to hear from him.

My Dear Governor, allow me to suggest. Let the people understand, in your addresses, that you have for their sake, as well as your own, laid aside strong drink to such an extent, at least, that it no longer is your conqueror at any time. But, that as you have so nobly succeeded in routing the country's enemies in the state, so have you, also, gained the victory over your own greatest personal foe. Again regretting my inability to be with you. I remain

Very Truly

Your Obt. Servt

Wm S. Pope

Pope Wm S.

Saint Louis Dec 6 1864

Has received letter by the hand of Col H. Saw the Proprietors of Democrat and they assured him they were for Gov Yates & etc.