E. A. Small to Richard Yates

Galena Dec 16 1864

Dear Sir

Since I last wrote you, Judge Platt and Col Champion of the 96th Ills Vols have made me a visit & I have had a very satisfactory understanding with the Judge respecting the Senatorship. He said to me distinctly & unequivocally that he should give you his vote if he ascertained that the charges of intemperance were notrue. The Judge is as good a friend as you have in the State and does not like Washburne, but he will not pledge himself to you unless satisfied in the one material fact. Fortunately your letter of the 12th came to hand on the day the Judge left my house and I have enclosed it to him (as you therein authorized me to do). Col Champion & myself can probably make as near a sure thing for you with Judge Platt as any persons in this County. The Col is at home (on account of wounds & sickness). Permit me to suggest that you drop a line to him. I will be [surety?] for his cooperation if it is asked He also dislikes Washburne. Be assured that all we [can?] do honorably is being done for you. I am happy to say that E.B.[W.?] does not consider Platt as at all safe on the Senatoral question:

Yours truly

E A Small

Hon Richard Yates

Small E.A.

Galena Dec 16 1864

Col. Champion & Judge Platt called on him, and he had a conversation with Platt in which he assured him that he should vote for you if he is sure that you are not intermperate. He dislikes Washburne---and he (Small) thinks that he & Champion can bring him around all right.

Suggests that you write to Col. C