John Lorrain to Richard Yates

Galena

July 24th 1864

Richard Yates Governour of Ill

Hond Sir

The Copperheads of this City under the lead of M. Y. Johnson David Shean Jonas Shipler & others have organized one or two companies meet and drill once or twice a week. (In the [manuel of arms?] To me this looks like mischief and should be seen to. I am no Lawyer - but it seems to me that any body of men meeting in secrete, drilling for war, without commissioned officers especially in time of war, could or should be reached by Law. I have been told that this thing has been going on for months. but I always hootred at the idea, passing it off as vision in the brain of some of our timid men. Last night by accident I had ocular proof of the machine in runing order.

If this matter is worthy of attending to let me give my views of how it should be managed. One or two sharp detectives should be sent here and time given to ferrett out the whole organization and if sufficient evidence can be brough forward for successful conviction under the law: to have the leaders taken, tried and convicted - If this can not be done the whole matter should be

droped - so secretly that they can have no suspicion that they have been watched - For to undertake anything against them and fail would only add to their strength = which now in this city in numbers predominates - this may appear strange when I say except in there leaders - you will find no protestants in there ranks - I start for St Paul tomorrow therefore no answer to this communication would reach me for ten days

Yours truly in haste

John Lorrain

Abstract & return - Write facts to Gen Heinzlerman describing who Johnson is- that it is important to watch him &c

Write Lorrain good letter - thanking him do what we can

Lorrain John

Galena July 24th 1864

The Copperheads under lead of M Y Johnson & others have organized one or two companies, meet & drill twice a week - Is no lawyer, but thinks these men could be reached by law, - by accident he had ocular proof of the machine in running order. Thinks two detectives should be sent there and time given to ferret out the organization &c, &c

Letter to Genl Heinzelman & answd Lorrain Aug 6 64

Loomis ADC