James M. Eaton to Richard Yates

South America Ill

May 3rd 1861

To Richard Yates Govener Honorable & Dear sir I rite these lines to informe you that there is some cecessionist in my settlement that is threatening to mob me and run me from my office I was credably informed yesterday that it was ther intention I am unprepaird to defend my office and family but intends to defend untill Death they have been thretning me for a long time becaus I voted the Republican ticit the Disunionist in williamson Co have calmed down since the Goverment truks have been sent along the R R my office is 35 miles east of carbondale it is in Saline Co I am exepecting the mob every hour they thing they will make me violate law and my oath of office by runing me from the Post office of which I am post master: pleas answer this as soon as it gets to you and let me know what to do I will give you the names of the mob as soon as I can find out Yours to command

James M Eaton P.M

PS with holde my name frome any sorce that will give me troble

J M E

James M Eaton.

S. America.

In regard to threats made against him.

Not to be ans'd