John Burroughs to Richard Yates

Monmouth Ill Dec 10, 1864

His Excellency Richd Yates

Dear Friend,

Your very Kind Favor containing recommendations was Duly Recd For Which accept my many thanks.

I have been to Strain's Office Several times but as yet have failed to See him.

I went to See Martin today and he Says that the only objection he has to you is That it is reported you are a Drunkard yet he Don't believe it---or at Least he Don't believe that Intemperance has impaired your Faculties, and unless he Learns the fact to be that your Faculties are impaired in Said manner he Shall Support you most cordially & faithfully.

He told me that Strain was inclined

to Suppot Genl Palmer.

Martin is an admirer of Gov Yates and I guarantee that he will Support you truly.

Strain is an inveterate Selfish office Seeker and is purely a man of policy. And I imagine is trying to get himself into a position from which to be bought back by a promise to be appointed to a Territorial Judgship. Long Sought For by him.

I will Keep you posted and will Do all I can to further your project &c

With High Respect I am your friend

Solon Burroughs

Senatorial

Burroughs Solon

Monmouth Dec 10/64

Thanks you for the recommendations for app't as Pay Master &c

Has not been able to see Strain

Martin will support you---his only objection being that he heard you were a Drunkard &c but if he can hear that your drinking will not impair your faculties he will go for you

He is your admirer and he thinks you can rely on him

Strain is an inveterate office seeker & wants to get in a position from which he can be induced by a promise of a Territorial Judgship which he has long

sought. He will do what he can to help you in any way.