William Weer to Richard Yates

with H.G. McPike letter 2/29/64

Military Station of Alton

Feb 25 1864

His Excellency Gov. Yates

Sir -

At a late hour of the might of the 22nd inst. a magistrate of Jersey Co. named Robert Smith reported to me that a party of Bushwhackers had crossed from MO and were attacking the lives (of) and property of citizens in Jersey some eight miles from here up the River. I sent a party of soldiers to arrest them at the request of the magistrate - the constable who accompanied him and of Mr. M'Pike - belonging to the Provost Marshal's office here. In arriving at the place pointed out they ransacked the house found no one but a man secreted in a cellar. When endeavouring to arrest him he discharged a revolver at the party, which resulted in wounding the constable (supposed mortally) & a soldier (slightly). He in turn was shot through the bowels & is now in my regimental hospital & as my surgeon states will probably recover.

This evening one of my officers in a visit to the same neighourhood found a secession flag openly flying before a house - which he brought in with him.

As the [upins ?] in question is really out of my jursidiction, I mention these back to you that you may direct such action upon the part of the civil authorities as to you may deem fit - and if desired by the proper Military commander will furnish ample assistance from my command to obtain the due execution of their duty.

Will you please indicate to me the proper person to whom I shall turn over the person now in Hospital upon his recovery.

I have the honor to be

Very Respectfully Your Obt. Servt.

Wm Weer Col 10th Kansas Comdg

Gen. Fuller

[What course do you think had better be taken? Endorse and return] I know of no remedy for such outrages except through the Courts, unless the Provost Marshall's department can arrest & punish the scoundrel. I think you have no jurisdiction.