W. A. Truesdale to Richard Yates

Cottonwood P.O. Gallatin Co Ills.

August 17th 1864

His Excellency Richard Yate

Governor of the State of Illinois,

Dear Sir

I have been Solicited by Several prominent Citizens of White and Gallatin Counties, to address you, in reference to the present critical condition of South Eastern Illinois. There are large numbers of armed enemies of our country just across the Ohio river in Kentucky, and they are continually threatening an attack upon our border towns and counties, and at this time the Ohio river is so very low that it can be forded at almost any point desired. The Citizens near the river are in a constant State of Alarm, and uneasiness---from the fact that they do believe that there will be a raid made on our portion of the State; and that Soon, unless there are Some prompt measures taken to drive those Rebels from the adjoining counties in Kentucky, or at

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at least Some plan adopted to prevent an invasion, of our own State. Those Rebels on last Saturday captured three Steamboats near Shawneetown and then came over on this Side of the river to gather up the Cattle & Horses that had got off the boats.

There are men here who are willing to organize for the defense of the Southern part of our State, and there are a number of meetings called to consult the general interests of our community. There can be a regiment of Home Guards raised in ten days in White & Gallatin Counties; and those of the best citizens of our county.

But we are wanting in the necessary kind of arms and ammunition, to make an Organization beneficial, and as I have been informed by Several Soldiers and Officers of the Army that that there are plenty of old guns at St. Louis Vicksburg and other places that are not Suitable for active Service in the main Army---but would answer our purpose very well; I would therefore make the following Suggestions for

your consideration.

1st That you authorize the Organization of a regiment for home defense to have it head Quarters at Shawneetown.

2nd That you appoint [by?] Cols Olney or Whiting to Organize and command Said regiment, leaving the companies to choose the other officers if they wish.

3rd That you furnish Said Regiment with Suitable arms---and other equipments as may be necessary.

Sir I hope that you will pardon me for this intrusion on your time (as no no doubt your are continually busily engaged in matters that are of deep interest and that require all your time

I am personally a stranger to you but I refer you to Col Kent, Capt Brill and other officers and members of the 29th Regiment Ills Vols (who are or will be at your place in a Short time) as to my character or any

other matter concerning me that you may wish.

I would be pleased if you would answer me immediately in refference to the Subject upon which I have thought necessary to address you.

Respectfully

In great Haste W. A. Trousdale

Cottonwood PO

Gallatin Co

Ills

P.S. Capts Brill, Stone and others can give you any information in reference to the present condition of affairs here that you may desire

W. A. T.

Trusdale W. A.

Cottonwood, Gallatin Co. Sept 17/64

Says there are large numbers of Guerillas in the counties of Kentucky just over the river, and that unless measures are taken soon to put the southern part of state in a state of defense a Raid will be made. He suggests that Authority be given to Col Olney or Whiting to raise a Regt. and that it be armed by the state.

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