Maria Weston to Richard Yates

Anna Jan 17 1863

To the Hon Richard Yates

you will no doubt think this is a strange message and so it is but truthes in those days are stranger than fiction of all ages. I beg you to excus this seemingly strange not I would not thought once I could have addressed a strange Gentleman much more approaching

a man of State. but so it is, we must live up the emergency of the times if thare is not a man to act and the duty left for me I can say with Samuel of old here Lord- if it come to that in our land that private families do not dare to board our Methodist Preacher for fear it will incite the fury of their Rebel neighbours and they will have to suffer on his account and he only a school boy in aperance and advised by officers I mite say Sherif I dont wish to personify this much would bring down vengence on the head of the offender if known they have poisend the horses of our local Preacher and now ordered our Station Preacher to leave -This looks rather darke and bolder than it is black they have have cut down orchards, burned

strawberry fields as they met no reprofe for the latter they grow bold and think they can drive all before them. The object this communication is to ask your attention to our unpleasant situation. The Lord has a remnant left even in Egypt and they are true to the government and that is the great offense - relying on the prompt masures you have taken to surpress this unholy rebellion we beg you will send a Provost Marshal to look in to affairs they can easily be put down now but if let to run much longer we shall have war in our own State- the country is full of paroled soldiers from the [102?] that circumsance makes the case no better we want a man of principal one that will command Respect as burly a looking man as [Chirch?] of Mo [Henry?] dont send [Alen?] man nor the Hon member from Putnam- excuse this in the

moment I forget myself.

Perhaps it would be well for him to appear in Soft raiment at others come out with the Swourd and the Spirit.

From a Mother in Egypt instead of Isarel.

To The Hon Richard Yates

PS I have been advised to send a name for address I do not think it nessary but if so addres

Mrs. Maria Weston Anna Ill

Mrs Maria Weston (a mother in Egypt) Anna Union Co. Say Union men in her neighborhood have to suffer much from traitors.. They destroy orchards, &c. Wants a Provost Marshal

"Rebellion"