P. G. Y. Hanna to Richard Yates

Golconda Ill. Sept. 12th 1864

Dear Sir.

Having learned from evidence

satisfactory to myself, that there has been

a military company organized in this

County, which company is composed entirely

of persons who are in sympathy with the

leaders of the rebellion, against the

Government of the United States; and

believing that it is the intention of the

said company to report the organization

to the Adjutant General, and to draw arms

from the state under the Militia law;

and believing that arms in the hands of

such men as compose such company will

not conduce to the peace and quiet of

community of this County, but to the contrary,

I have been requested by others, and in accor

dance with my own view, to ask your Excellency

to withhold the arms of the state, from said

company, untill such time as you can make

inquiry and satisfy yourself of the truth

of these statements. The union men of

the county have been entirely excluded

from all participation in said organization.

I have been informed that the company is

commanded by one Elijah Grisham, and

that Richard Fulkerson, Elijah Jenninga, J. H.

Ragsdale, B. F. Ellis, G. B. Hart, and others

were the persons who were instrumental in

getting up the company.

There are other Military companies being

organized in the County who will perhaps

apply for arms, which companies are com

posed of the loyal citizens of the county, for

the purpose of protecting themselves from the

incursions of guerrilla bands who may succeed

in crossing the Ohio river.

I would respectfully refer to Gen. H. Harlow

of Springfield, with whom I have a corresponding

acquaintance.

I would also refer you to Capt. J. H. [Baicourt?],

P. G. Clemens sheriff of Pope County, & to John

Gilbert dept Collector, and to John Raum, [clerk?]

of the county court, all of Golconda, and other

prominent union men of Pope County.

Hoping that you will give this subject

your earnest attention and decide for

our own peace and tranquility, and for the

peace of our country in the coming

election in November at which we

fear trouble if arms are in the hands

of persons who are not loyal to our

Government.

Yours Respectfully,

P. E. Y. Hanna

His excellency,

Richard Yates

Send to Gen

Paine to be

returned -

Keep watch of this

Hanna J. E. Y.

Golconda, Sep 12th 1864

Represents that an organiza

tion of Disloyal men exists

in that county who will

apply to the State for arms.

He warns the Governor

to look out for them -

Sent to Genl Paine &

returned

File

Executive Office

Springfield Ills

Sept 17/64

Respectfully

referred to Brig Genl H. E.

Paine, [illegible] Dist. &c, whose

attention is solicited to the

within statements.

At direction of His Excellency

Gov. Yates.

John M. Snyder

Col & A.D.C.

Please return