John R. Weed to Richard Yates

Solicitors Office court of Claims

Washington D.C. December 21st/64

His Excellency Governor Yates

Springfield Illinois

My Dear Friend

My solicitude for your success in the coming Senatorial contest must be my only excuse for troubling you now. It may be of some advantage to you to know what the advocates of Washburne, are doing to achieve his success - You will find them unscrupulous and untiring in their efforts to accomplish your defeat. I learn that Swett, is enlisted on Washburne's side, and, that Ingersoll, has gone home in the same interest. I am told that the price of Ingersoll's assistance, is Washburne's aid in making Col Ingersoll, District Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois. If you can offer any better or higher bid for his assistance, you can fetch him. I know Farnsworth & Norton are

for you - and I feel as if the whole delegation should go in the same direction. Washburne desires to have Rarish, of St. Louis; in his interest, but I do not believe he will be successful in obtaining it - Bestor, who is here, says he thinks seriously of going home to devote himself to your interests - if he could believe you really needed him he would do so at once. I understand Swett, agrees, as a reason. Why you should not be elected, that you are not true to your old friends - but I rather lead yourself to making new ones. To those who know you well, this objection will amount to nothing - I think Rob Cossill, of Woodford County--could assist you materially in putting and end to Ingersolls opposition Hoping for your Triumphant success, and the overwhelming defeat of Washburne. I am as always

Yours very sincerely

John I. Weed

Weed John R.

Washington Dec 21st 1864

Says Washborne and friends are unscrupulous & uniting in their efforts to defeat the Governor. Ingersoll has gone home in same interest and the price of his aid is his assistance in making Col Ingersoll Dist Attourney & if you can bid higher you can fetch him

Bester is there and thinks of going home to assist you.