C. B. Lawrence to Richard Yates

Galesburg Ills. Dec 14/64

Hon. Richard Yates

My dear Sir

I have just recd yours of the 12th and am glad of the opportunity of explaining my position in regard to the senatorial question. I do not purpose to take any active part in the canvass. At the same time, when asked my opinion, I have ordinarily answered, that I should prefer your nomination or that of Gen. Palmer to the success of either of the other candidates, but as between you and Gen. P., if I were compelled to make the choice, it would be for him. I have always said, however, as I now say to you, that I had a very high opinion of your ability and fidelity, and that I, as a citizen of Illinois should be quite contented if the nomination falls upon you. I wish you to do me the justice of believing, that my preference for Gen. Palmer does not arise from any unkind feeling towards you. I should be ashamed

of myself if I entertained any unpleasant recollection of your letter in regard to the judicial nomination. I have not the slightest. My preference for Gen. Palmer arises simply from the fact that my acquaintance with him is of many years standing, and I have known him very much better than I ever had the opportunity of knowing you. Holding you both to be highly qualified for the position, my personal preferences have naturally fallen in favor of him whom I have longest and best known.

I again assure you that, if nominated, I shall very honestly congratulate you, and that I have no sentiment of opposition to you whatever, and am

Yours very truly

C. B. Lawrence

If Palmer is not nominated I hope you may be.

Lawrence. C. B. Galesburg Dec. 14th 1864

Is glad you wrote him giving him an opportunity of expressing his views on the Senator question. He is for either you or Gen'l Palmer. between you he prefers Gen'l P on account of his long friendship & acquaintance &c.

If he is not nominated you are his choice