William Brown to Richard Yates

Rockford Dec 13' 1864

Gov Yates,

Dear Sir;

Yours of the 10th inst was received yesterday. I supposed at the time I was elected to the House of Representatives that you would be the only candidate before us for the U S Senate I have now no doubt as you write, but that there is an effort to defeat your election

From what I can learn, Mr Washburn will be your most formidable Competitor. It is supposed that most of the Representatives from Cook County and one of the Senators are favorable to Mr Washburn - It is also understood that he will get the support of the Representatives and Senators from his own district. Mr Washburn has been a faithful Representative in Congress, yet I am not now, and never have been an admirer of the man. I intend to go to Springfield unpledged to any Candidate yet, I do not hesitate to write you that I think you are the choice of the masses of our

party in my own County and in the State at large. I have admired your cause as Governor of our Noble State, and there are many reasons (some of which have been assigned in your letter) why you should be supported by the Union members of the Legislature for Senator I certainly feel friendly to your election; there are a multitude of reasons that suggest themselves to my mind why I should support you and only one objection (And that perhaps not well founded) if that can be removed you shall have my most cordial support. I shall be glad to see you on my arrival in Springfield

I am Respectfully

Wm. Brown

Brown. William

Rockford Dec. 13th 64

Yours of 10th rec'd. He thinks there is some Efforts making to defeat you for Senator Washburne is your most formidable candidate - He understands the Rep's. and one Senator from Cook Co are for him, and all the Rep's & Senators for his own Dist. - There is a multitude of reasons why he should support you, and but one objection - If that can be removed he will give you his hearty support. Though he will not pledge himself to any man.