John W. Waughop to Richard Yates

John W. Waughop, Attorney at Law;

Office No. 63 Clark Street,

Chicago, May 26th 1863

Gov. Yates

Dear Sir

We have suffered a very severe loss here in the decease of Honl. Geo. Manierre, an upright Judge & a true Patriot.

I am of the opinion that to fill his place requires a great deal of care. In most instances of special elections we have been the loosers, will you listen to a few suggestions, made with deference & respect.

1st We have the Superior Court here of Concurent Jurisdiction, with the Circuit Court with three Judges in which

court the docket is now called once every month entirely through, which affords all the facilities for new business which are necessary for public convenience.

2d A special election would be very expensive and come at a time when our friends are most active in business & would hazard a defeat at a time when to have a coperhead on that bench would be of the utmost public annoyance.

3d The courts take a recess nearly every summer and do not pretend to do much business from first of June until October. And more especially this summer in the midst of the exciting news from the War. so that there is no pressing necessity for an

election until the regular fall election. The inconvenience to suiters in that court cannot certainly be as great as the public expence and the inconvenience of a special election now.

4th At the fall election we elect county and township officers and a judge and Clerk of the Superior Court, which will call out our friends and make a sure thing of our success, which in a special election is doubtful as the Coperheads will move heaven and earth to get a Judge in this county at this particular time.

There may be a few files lost to the clerk of that court - but that is of very little consequence to any one but to him

In view of the above reasons would it not be better to defer calling the election for the vacancy until it could be held in conjunction with the regular fall election.

This of course requires no answer. If we should hold an election now and get defeated we should feel very badly over the result.

I have no feelings over this matter, but only make the suggestion.

Very Truly your Friend

as ever

J. W. Waughop

(R)

John W Waughop

File "Private"

Chicago May 26th 1863.

They have suffered a severe loss in the decease of George Manierre - is of the opinion that it requires a great deal of care to fill his place. makes various suggestions as to filling the vacancy and suggests that the Governor defer calling the election until the fall.

Recd Ex O. June 3rd 1863.