D. M. Lee to Richard Yates

Red Bank Ill May the 2nd 1861

To his Excellency

Richard Yates

Gov. of Illinois Springfield

Dear Sir,

Pardon me for my boldness. I never before, attempted a correspondence with the noble of the earth in official capacity. I am not officious, nor meddlesome. I have never meddled with Politics. I have waited on my higher function, constantly dispensing to the people, the word of life. But in this trying crisis, I feel alarmed. I confess it, I have tried under God, to subjugate all my higher passions to humility. I do not love war, tho I do love my Country, and its Banner. I have Conscientious Scruples respecting the shedding of blood. I do not love the Negro, well enough to fight for him, and therefore left Tenn. 12 months ago, and came to this State. I am constitusionally exempt from military service as I understand it, being over 45. Tho we are constantly annoyed here, with rumors that some Coercive measure is going to be used towards Southerin Illinoise, some of them being Southern principled men. Can you find time, or condescention enough to give me your policy respecting that point? If you will you will confer a special favor on a quiet peaceable citizen. I desire, with my conscientious scruples, to be neutral. I do not wish to fight with the South, nor do I wish to be coerced against the South, for my Brothers, Nephews, Brothers in law (except one here) are in the South. I love my brothers and relatives, and don't wish to be forced to take arms against them, nor responsible for them, all my brothers write me they are coming here this fall. They have no slaves, and like me, don't intend fighting for them.

We are all for the Union. Rumor says "that the army at Cairo, is going to sweep Southern Illinois, killing men, women & children! This cannot be possible. What sir, will be

your protective policy toward Women, Children, and peaceable Citizens? Will you say to me, being over 45 years of age, a minister of the gospel, (United Baptist) Diseased with frequent attacs of Hemorage from the Lungs, not willing, even in war to kill any person, and no disturber, but peaceable, that I shall be exempt from Military duties, in this Struggle, and feel myself & family under protections? I regret very much Sir, that the condition of our country is such, as to admit of reason for me to trouble you with this letter, knowing that the duties of your office right now, are cumbersome. But Sir, if you can find time, and think it not too great a condescention, to give me some satisfaction on the above points, you shall certainly have the thanks, as well as the Prayers of

D. M. Lee

P S. Hon. William Elais is my representative, who can tell you of me, and my ministerial operations here.

For our Country's sake, I beseech you, to recommend to our Legislature some policy that may by others be acted on, to save our Country from the horrors of a Civil war L

Write me at Red Bank, Saline County Ill

Rev D. M. Lee asking not to be killed. &c.

Answered May 9

D. M. W.