William Coler to Richard Yates

Champaign Ill

13th Dec 1864

Gov

I wrote you a few days since. I can now say that Bond will certainly support you. Col. Pugh has written me a Letter in which he says that You stand as the first choice of the people in Macon.

I think that I am not mistaken in saying that every Representative in this Congressional district will stand by you. If you have reason to doubt any of them, I hope you will feel at liberty to advise me and he shall have especial attention. There is no one among them who does not feel that it is something in his favor to have my Friendship and can I find the means to control their votes if they are at all in doubt. The great body of the people are for you---politicians only can defeat you, and this I do not fear. Still it is well to be on the look-out for combinations &c. Bromwell is indebted to me

over

for his nomination. He acknowledges the favor & prays a continuance, and this he can have provided he will stand by you otherwise this is his only term in Congress & he shall so understand it. However I scarcely have a doubt but all our members are for you of themselves.

I now have nothing in view for myself so far as official position is concerned. I want to cast my influence---be it much or little, for the man who can best serve the interests of our State & Country. I believe that you can do us more good in the U S Senate than any other man---hence I am for you for this reason. But aside from all this I am indebted to you for many personal favors & I now feel that I have it somewhat in my power to repay in part.

I have made up my mind to come down at the opening of the Session. Perhaps I can do something for you. At all events I am certain that I can hold the members, from this section of the state to their pledges.

Your Friend

Coler

His Exlncy Gov Yates

Springfield, Ill

Coler Wm. N.

Champaign Dec 13/64

He is now certain that Bond will support you.

Pugh has written him a letter saying the people in his Dist are for you.

Thinks every Republican member in that District will give you unconditional support. If you have reason to doubt them let him know & he will give them especial attention---as they all regard his friendship as somewhat of a favor & he can find the means to control them.

Bromwell is indebted to you for his nomination and he knows it & acknowledges the favor & prays for a continuance---which he can have by standing with you & he shall so understand it.

He wants no official position himself but will do his utmost in your behalf because he knows you are the man for the place.

Will be down at the opening of the Session.