F. Swanwick to Richard Yates

Chester May 14th 1861

His Excellency

Richard Yates

Gov Ills

Dr Sir

I have just been informed that Capt Detrich of Sparta has an order for, or authority to take the Six pounder gun now here in my charge, on the ground that it is required for the defence of Sparta. I can hardly think this can be true. Capt Detrich would hardly make such a request without consulting me & the idea that Sparta, 20 miles inland & surrounded by the most reliable Union men in the whole state, can be in any more need of means of defence than this place immediately on the border is to say the least a very extraordinary one

More than 20 years ago I paid the whole expense of getting the arms here which has never been refunded & we are now refitting the gun at considerable cost to put it in a serviceable

condition. I leave here, with a company, for the camp at Belleville on the 16th, our people are getting up a home guard & I have left all the arms in reliable hands, the gun with our Mayer a sound Union Democrat I sincerely hope that if any such arrangement has been made, it may be countermanded at once being fully persuaded that you will see the truth of the argument I have advanced - Any force going to attack Sparta must necessarily cross the river here or pass near by us. Please answer & direct either to me at Belleville or to Alfred Whitaker Mayer of the City of Chester.

Very Respectfully

Your Obt Svt

F. Swanwick

P.S. I trust the order if any has been given will be at once countermanded

F.S.

The recommendation of Capt Swanwick should be regarded, all that he states are facts; Chester is exposed, not Sparta. The Mayor is entirely reliable. R.B. [illegible]

Capt. F. Swanwick

ans'd