James Strain to G. Barrarr

Monmouth, Ill.

Dec 19th 1864.

G. Barrere Esq.

Dear Sir,

On my return from the Bureau Court, I found yours of the 9th awaiting me.

In regard to the Senatorship, I have to say that I have recd several letters, and seen several persons, in the interest of Govr Yates, and altho I am not committed to any candidate, and have no other than the most friendly feeling for the Governor, I am afraid his unfortunate habit is to firmly fixed to withstand the temptations of Washington life, his good resolutions nevertheless.

He was my first choice for Governor, and I was proud when he was nominated and elected. And I have stood by him, in my humble way. "through evil as well as through good report." And I am now sorry to say that when his friends, and intimate acquaintances ask me to vote for him, they cannot say but that he does drink. And although he promises reformation, we know too well the small value of such promises. I shall never forget the servises he has rendered the country, and when it is certain that he has reformed I shall not be slow to award him so far as I can the position to which he would be justly entitled in such case.

In view of remarks I have heard as comeing from the friends of the Gov. it may be impolitic for me to occupy the position I do. But the position is ,in my, judgment right, and I will stand by the consequences. One is reported as saying that "Gov Y. is the ear of Juggernaut," and another, that he will be elected any how, and that "the men who vote against him will be spotted." If so, so be it. My political aspirations are not verry extensive; And you know Clay said he "would rather be right than be President."

I do not know how Mr. Martin stands further than that he is a [strawmans?] temperance man.

Yours truly James Strain

Private