E. Engle to Richard Yates

Fayett County ill March 12, 63

Governor Yates Dear Sir

when one of the prophets of old saw the Earthquke the Burning Bush and heard the thunder and lightning he was not moved But when he heard a still small voice he gave heed, let me inform your honor that this part of our once happy State is filled with as Damled a set of Traitors as Ever Cursed a Country i hope that you will profit By this Small voice to attempt to Enforce the late Military law of Congress here without the force of Army is Sheer nonsense, they are holding their Secret Meetings and Organizing Daily, their treasonable talk is open and Defiant and their Name is legion is Something is not Done and that quickly the Union Cause is gone here Beyond the power of Redemtion the union few here is panic Stricken, and it would Be at the perril of My life if the Rascals New that i had wrote this to you, if you have not the power to put a stop to treason have you have the power to inform the president and the quicker the Better Do not pass this Matter of lightly if Something is not Done Soon to Stop them you will find More trouble North than South, i hope you will pardon the liberty i have taken i felt it my Duty from the fact that a Stitch in time saves Nine Yours Truly

Dr. E. Engle

R. Yates Gov, State ill,

Doct E Engle

Fayette Co March 12th 1863

Says something must be done to put down traitors in his county and if the Governor has not the power to do it he hopes he will inform the President

Recd Ex O. March 14 1863.