A. Webster to Richard Yates

Rock Island Dec 17th 1864

Govenor Yates

Springfield

Dr Sir

I was highly pleased to recieve yours of a few days since & the information therein contained with most of which however I was previously familiar. I scarcely know what to say in reply but as you say you have been informed that I felt friendly towards you so I may say that your information was correct - but I must further say that I am not now prepared to give any definite intimation of the course I may take on the question of the U S Senatorship - and this from no lack of friendly feeling towards yourself as want of appreciation of your abilities or services

in the common cause of preserving the Nation. You are of course aware that we have been represented in Congress for the past two years by Copperhead Harris who thank God; has met the fate that sooner or later will be visited on all of his strife, and that previously we were represented by Arnold of Chicago whose interests and instincts were all opposed to over of this locality. We have therefore been compelled to depend upon outsiders for assistance and Mr Washburn has done us many favors which some of our people think ought to be remembered now, while others think he can wait in his present position which is certainly an honorable one till a more convenient reason. We feel that our interest since the location of the U S Arsenal and Rebel Prison here deserve some atten-

tion more than they have had heretofore recieved from our congressman & senator. I may also say that those here, want engaged in aiding Mr Washburn are not particularly my personal friends, nor are they yours. Under the circumstances therefore I do not wish at present to commit myself in this question. I may however say that I am not a party to any combination respecting this matter, and that I should be pleased to be kept posted as to the further aspects this question may take on. Hoping that you will appreciate my position & the spirit in which this is written I subscribe myself very respectfully

Yours &c

A. Webster

Webster A. Hon

Rock. Island Dec 17th 64

Thanks you for your letter He entertains the most friendly feelings towards you, but being placed in a peculiar position he cannot commit himself to you or any one. They have needed favors there from those outside of their Representatives & Congressman and Mr Washburne has ever shown them every favor in his power - hence they are under obligations to him, but differ as to the time of reciprocating. He is not in any combination, and shall not be.