John Bodenhammer to Richard Yates

Plymouth Ill. Aug. 15th 1864

Mr. Richard Yates

Dear sir

The Copperheads in this vicinity have declared that none of their party shall either be arrested or drafted. On the 12th inst. a company of them organised, on the 11th they held a meeting in Birmingham Schuyler Co. to organize an other as I suppose. I think this ought to be stopped or a least that the Union men ought to be prepared to defend themselves, their homes and families against any outbrake of these infernal rebles. Now sir I beg leave to raise a company of men to be ready for them. I want to know if you can furnish us with arms and if it will be propper for us to prepare by drilling orgaising &c.

John Bodenhammer

To Richard Yates

Bodenhammer John

Plymouth Ills.

Aug 15th 1864.

He complains of the uprising of the copperheads in that vicinity. The Union men have no means of defense they want assistance.

Ans. Aug 25 64

Executive Depart't

Springfield Aug 25/64

Respectfully referred to to Brig Genl. H E Paine commandg Dists of Illinois for information

By order of

His Excellency

Gov. Yates

Simon Hirshbach

A. D. C

Rcvd Attended to H