A. Clybourn to Richard Yates

Chicago May 3rd 1861

To His Excellency

Governer Yates

Dear Sir, I have just had an interview with an old friend of mine who is now living in Memphis Tenn. whos name I am not at liberty to use, and he informs me that at Memphis and all along the River up as far as Columbus, that the secessionists are collecting men arms and amunition they say with the Intention of attacking Cairo - and he says that parties in Memphis and other places in Secret correspondence with their friends in

and about Cairo and that they are well advised Every day what is going on at Cairo - and that he learned from some of the leaders that their plan was to cut a ditch across the Embankment that keeps the river out of the town, and let the water in and at the same time to make an attack on the troops stationed there in Every direction possible and as I deem the information to be relyed and I felt it my duty to give the Information to you without delay. So that you may take such action as you think proper.

you no doubt are aware that we of Chicago feel a great deal of Interest in the Safety of Cairo as there is a great many of our best Citisens there and we also feel the utmost Confidence that you as the Commander In Chief of the Millitia of the State, will do Everything in your Power to prevent any defeat of our Brave Soldiers.

I remain your old friend,

A. Clybourn

A. Clybourn

Chicago

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