Richard Yates to John C. Fremont

State of Illinois

Executive Department.

Springfield Aug 6 1861

Genl Fremont.

The accompanying letter from our U. S. Marshall, well acquainted from long residence in South Illinois, is worthy of consideration.

I have thought of suggesting whether to prevent invasion into Illinois above Cairo & consequent uprising of secessionists in that section, and also to protect St Louis from attack by forces which might be embarked from point above Cairo, it might not be best that one or two of our new raised regiments should be rendezvoued at say, Chester and Camp Douglas or other places, and furnished with the first arms to be procured.

I regret to inform you that my correspondence with Southern Illinois indicates much larger secession numbers than we had

anticipated. The least encouragement would make them a formidable force.

Truly Yours

Richd Yates

Copy to

J. C Fremont.