William M. Fry to James Oakes

Provost Marshal's Office.

Tenth District Illinois.

Jacksonville July 28. 1864.

Col. James Oakes,

Ass't. Prov. Mar'l. General.

Springfield, Ills.

Colonel:

Immediately following my interview with you on the 25th inst. I have the honor to report that I visited Hillsboro, in Montgomery County, on the 26th inst. where I remained until the 27th, and as the result of personal and careful inquiry I am persuaded that no action can be lawfully taken on my part by which to disband the marauders in the locality of Van Buren or Hurricane, for the reason that their outrages are committed

wholly in violation of the civil laws. And that the parties are all, so far as I can learn. Citizens and refugee or renegade Missourians.

A meeting of the leading citizens was called on my arrival at Hillsboro, which I attended. At this meeting a general deliberation was had on the question of their difficulties, and the conclusion was fully arrived at, that the lawless organization in the county was composed of parties whose whole purpose is that of horse-thieving and robbery.

It is fully ascertained that about 200 desperate characters have organized and established a camp in that vicinity which is made a depository for their plunder in general.

It is also understood that this organization is under the leadership of a man named Clingman, who is represented as intelligent and desperate,

as well as well versed in Military regulations.

They keep up their picket guard and permit nobody to pass their "lines" without the "countersign".

Steps are now being taken by the citizens to have warrants issued against all parties who are known to belong to the organization, with a view of taken civil action in the premises by an appeal, if need be, to the Governor for the necessary force to effect their arrest and punishment by civil law. Be assured, Colonel, if it should be made to appear that any action is necessary on my part, your directions will be promptly complied with.

Very Respectfully

(signed) Wm. M. Fry

Capt. & Prov. Mar'l.

10th Dist. Ills.

a true copy

James Oakes

Lt. Col. & a.a. P. M. G. Ills.