James Huff to Unknown

Affidavit of James Simmons, Private in Co.

In the Case of the United States a Thos H Clark in Complicity of the Perkins Robbery.

I was On Provost Duty in Mound City Ills. I was Ordered by Lieut Smith Provost Marshall to proceed up the River, at the Coal Boats the Guard passed a Skiff and the Guard with Lieut Smith got on Board. Thos H Clark City Marshall of Mound City was with us. When we got on Board, Clark directed the course of the Skiff to the Island Side of the Chute - at this point a small island intervenes between the Ills Shore and the Main River, after a tedious [pull?] under the direction of said Clark we landed on the Said Ills Shore. Some fifty yards from a Spring in front of Sanders place on

The Illinois Shore. [Nr?] Charleston

Clark went ashore and hollowed for Sanders, who was then on the Bank area was hailing us as we landed Mr. Clark Hollowed Once and no more-- Lieut Smith went ashore and Came Back with Mr. Clark -- Clark was Sitting on the Seat with me before he went ashore and afterwards. he Stated to me that he Sent a messenger to Kentucky that day and was certain from his report that if we went over that not One Man of us would reach the bank alive, that those Rebels were armed with double Barreled Shot Guns Two revolvers & Sabre & Carabins each he pointed out in the gloom of the woods that even Two Men could Kill all as we Could not See where the were Such was the Cover and darkness. I Stated that I was not Cowardly and tho. I had no desire to run Such a risk. I would have to obey Orders, but I did not like to go having only a small amt. of amunition

And only one revolver. Another man in the Stern of the Skiff expressed the Same fears from the representation of Mr. Clark -- he Stated he had only a few rounds of Amunition, and did not like to go across the River. Mr. Clark Seemed in unusual Spirits when Lieut Smith decided not to cross. Clark endeavored to put the matter off that [eving?] pleading that the boys were not ready and wanted to go to a [dance?]. I did not understand the matter then but now it all appears clear. This Statement I Solemnly Swear is true and to which I freely Subscribe my name [Perry?] [Summers?]

Sworn and Subscribed to before me this 31st day of July AD 1864

James F. Huff

Capt & Pro. Marshal

Columbus Ky