The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1862-11-28
atlantic MOnthly
Letter from Illinois.
ROCKFORD, ILL.,, Nov. IA, 1862.

Nix EDITOR: You are already sufficiently
horned Ct the unfortunate result of the elec-
ions in this, as in the other great states, this
.a In this state, the democratic majority
general ticket will be about $4,000. We
erect six only of the IA members of congress.
Three OF these are well known throughout the
country, and are really very strong men, viz
Nnold, Washburne and Lovejoy. The latter,
one Of the best men in congress, was run
close in his new district; having a majority,
Or rather plurality, Of about 800. His op-
,onent was a Col Henderson, of one Of our
!e..ments in the army, sort Of mongrel re-
publican, and pro slavery conservative, who
sec Ired most of the democratic votes, and
not few others from dough-faced conserva-
tive nominal republicans, who could not abide
lovcjoy's uncompromsing anti slavery senti-
men,s. This combination would probably
have been successful, had it not been for a
compeuSa:ing circumstance in the refusal OF
a few hundred straight out democrats to vote
Tor Henderson, on the ground that he was no
.emocrat; but who cast their votes for some
third man of their own ilk.
Most of YOUR readers are doubtless aware
that Owen Loyejoy is brother Of the Rev
Ar Lovtjoy, who was many years ago shot
a Alton by a pro-slavery mob; because, hav-
~. b en driven out of st. Louis where he
a' teen publishing an anti-sIavery paper, he
Topt,eI TO revive it in Alton. 1t is said
..at his surviving brother, in view Of the
nan .itd remains OF the murdered victim,
.h a solemn VOW to devote his life, long or
>ort. to the propagation of the faith in which
> brother peri shed. Nobly has he redeemed
Ii, pledge Slavery has not a more energetic
powerful foe.
The democrats elect eight members o.
"1te>s, Including the member at large
i'.S ph..s' may not be understood by youl
i~c> aesal!y. | will explain it, At the
-r.>, n of "ur legislature, in the winter o.
''jl, il was understood from the census re-
'r-> that Illinois was entitled to but 1;
members. Accordingly an act was passed
dividing the state into l3 districts. Subse
..rNt.y congress awarded an additional mem
De-: 70 us, as It did to Vermont, beyond wha
'ar vaS strictly entitled to under the census
rs The legislature meets here only biennially
,..r" has been no opportunity to re-distric
-" STATE. So as to make IA districts, ou
er..oa was held under the districting act o
t>6I, in order that We should have ou
:'l amber. Congress at its last sessio,
"-'~"Hzea the people of the state to choos
a- member by general ticket. The memle
.-'> CHOSEN is James c. Allen, the same mai
F~] r"n as a candidate for governor in op
position TO Gov Yates in 1860. He is be
''yl 10 be at least semi-secesson, AM
.'','2g from speech heard him make her
ii that canvass, should take him to be tn
worst sort OF specimen Of a pro-slaver
a-mocrat.
Olr legislature in both branches is demo
l:'t!e so that L. S. senator to fill the vs
,'acy ma lie by the death of Mr. Douglas, wi
be CHOSEN from the successful party. 1t wi
-e ior two years only.
Among the various causes assigned for tn
a-eat Of tie republicans in this state, the,
: one amply sufficient to account for it, thu
.' the absence Of one hundred and tven,
thousand lliEoisians, serving their count,
n The army. Of this number, it is suppose
shout sevehty-fve per cent, or 10000. a
.esal voters, who would have voted if th'
lad been at home, but We had not not, iii
IOWA, provision to take their votes in Il
several localities where they might be {
'4'y, and thus their votes were lost. Nc
mere IS not shadow Of doubt but that
large Ma jority Of these absent voters, s.
''Fee quarters of them, q am confident
greater proportion) would have voted the I
publican ticket, if they had had an opport