George J. King to Richard Yates

Quincy Sept 9 1864

His Excellency R. Yates,

Gov of the State of Ill

My Dear Sir:

On my return this morning from the East, where I was for several weeks detained by sickness in my family, I find that your Excellency did me the honor, on the 16th ult. to write me, asking my cooperation in the work of raising a regiment for the defense of the State.

So long a time has elapsed since the date of your letter that I probably shall not have the pleasure of aiding in the good work to which you call me & which I regret I was not at home to promptly undertake. Still something may yet remain to be done & I now write to inquire if at this late day I can be of any service & to offer my hearty cooperation.

Meanwhile without waiting for a reply I shall immediately consult reliable friends here and engage their cooperation, in the work of

of securing men, if they should be needed.

As you speak of our having "an enemy in our midst, as dangerous as the rebel in open arms", I venture, I hope not presumptuously, to express my own apprehension that the catch words of certain politicians for "a free election or a free fight" are now for the purpose of preparing their followers for a violent & revolutionary assault at the polls on Election day under the pretense that the Government does not intend to allow a free Election. Perhaps these are groundless apprehensions but I cannot dispossess my mind of them, though I have heard of no one expressing similar opinions, I rest however in the hope that so far as our State is concerned, if there is danger, your vigilance and energy will not be at fault. But I fear the National authorities are not awake to the dangers that exist, & that consequences far more serious & lasting than mobs & local emeutes may result.

Most Respectfully Yours

Geo. J. King