J. E. Callaway to Richard Yates

Judge Advocate Office D.E.

Chattanooga Tenn Decr 9 1864

His Excellency

Hon Rich. Yates

Dear Governor,

This is the third letter I have written you within the past month, the first one I hope you have received, the second I fear is still within P.O at this Post, as one Genl Hood of the so called C.S.A. laid an embargo on our mails about that date - the date it was mailed.

My second letter was instigated by a letter from my father enclosing yours concerning the speeches sent to my address at Tuscola.

My father proposed unless otherwise directed to distribute your speeches, to see the member elect from Douglas & to do all in his power for you. Doubtless he has attended to the matter ere this.

When I wrote before I intended & fully expected to be present at Springfield during the first days of our next Legislative Session but as all means

of reaching the "United States" within the life of an ordinary "Leave of absence" are cut off, I have given up all hopes of the honor and pleasure I thus promised myself.

I will however do all I can with my pen & will write to several members elect & other prominent gentlemen today. With several members I am intimate & have considerable influence - with some perhaps as much as any citizen of Eastern Illinois.

Have you a clear track? I have incidentally learned that Logan & Palmer both have their eyes turned towards the Senatorship. I don't know anything but I understand Palmer has "cleared for action." A little scrap of history in my brain says that Palmer threw his influence & vote against Lincoln and elected a slipery kind of gentleman in "Honest Old Abe's" stead in 1854. I think my memory's is correct too; and the reason was P & T had always been - Democrats! Though I was not born early enough to even vote a Whig ticket, I believe my love of the old whig principles and more particularly my abhorence of Democratic trickery & treachery will live as long as I have a being.

I write this letter having fears my second letter will not reach you in proper time. Is Laurence Weldon going to continue as def atty for an additional term? What are my chances for an honorable position as a civilian? If indifferent, how about a promotion in the army? I would like promotion in the Judge Advocate's Department. I have very considerable experience in that position.

I will send this letter thro by an officer who is going to Indiana by way of Knoxville and Cumberland Gap. He is a member of the regiment I command at Chickamauga (81st 2nd Infy) & was wounded and captured during that battle. He is as escaped prisoner

For the manner Govr in which I commanded that regiment during that battle & afterwards I am well known to many Indianans & particularly to Gov. Morton. I could easily have had the Colonelcy of that regiment if I had consented but I could not cut loose from my old regiment & with it my interests as an Illinoisan. I have been assured by Indiana officers that Gov. Morton spoke very complimentary of me for my conduct then & said he was sorry that I was not an Indianian as he would at once make me a Colonel & that if ever I asked for anything he would give his name to my papers. This I have from officers of that regiment & citizens from Indiana twelve months ago. I have never before spoken of this

matter but as it naturally arises on this occasion, I thought proper to do so, for if I ask any favor of the Government, it may be proper to ask Gov. Morton for a favor he would so graciously bestow.

If a blockade is raised in the proper time I will try and be at Springfield as proposed. With a determination to all in my power to secure your triumphant election and with a wish for your health prosperity & happiness. I am with profound respect

Your Obt Servant

J. E. Callaway

Major & J. A Dist Etowah

Callaway Maj. J E

Chattanooga Dec 9 64

Senatorial.