Adam Earheart to Richard Yates

Anna August 12th A.D. 1861

To His Excellency Richard Yates Governor of Illinois

Sir

I as a humble citizen of your State came to this Town the 13 of May last 36 miles from Cairo Union County I left my home in Tennessee to save myself and Union principles I brought my family with me 4 sons 2 daughters and wife three of my sons and myself able and willing to carry arms. After I settled I sent my 3 sons up the country to Nashville (Ill) and thence to Centralia at the latter place One joined the army the other two have returned here. In our travels we find since we came here what I was informed was here before I left Tennessee That at least one half of the men from Golconda around the borders of Egypt to Nashville (Ill) is nothing more than the worst rebels that live on the face of Gods green earth and my honest opinion is that if Cairo should be attacked they will turn out in open rebellion without some immediate course is taken to prevent or counteract their mighty influence in this and the adjoining counties. It has been said here lately by disunionists "that some republicans must be hanged here before there will be peace" That was the word in Tennessee the next was the mob with rope in hand Must union men stand still as I and my friends did in Tennessee until it was too late and leave this country minus I hope not before I will leave this country I will die and go to Genl Jacksons company as I was reared within 3 miles of the old hero he was a union man when alive and I guess he is yet I served in the United States army 3 months at the removal of the Cherokee Indians I came into the Union the same year that Illinois did my age is Forty Three years all my support now must come by my labor (as I left my property when I came from Tenn)

my sons must now go to the army and if your Excellency will permit me I will suggest some ideas to your Excellency that I think will save the honor of your State and be useful to the peace of South Western Illinois I suggest that it is the opinion of union men generally in this region that three companies of Cavalry of selected union men for State service One company be stationed at Anna the other two companies to be constantly in motion on the borders in my humble opinion they would be of more real service in preserving the union than any two Regiments in the Union and a defence from a near attack on Cairo as the roads from this point are good in all directions towards the Mississippi or Ohio Rivers. A company of cavalry would in one day march to any given point on the borders which extend two hundred miles If my judgment should agree with yours in putting down spies and news carriers into the very interior of the rebel states which in my opinion is going on every day. I should be delighted to assist in getting up companies, or in any legal way that you may prescribe, and to bear any burden that your Excellency might think ought to fall to my lot. I am acquanted with J. Bohannan, of Anna police Justice Mr Dresser the Post Master & E. H. Finch if you wish to make any inquiry. I would be greatly pleased with a reply while with sentiments of high esteem I am

Your friend

Adam Earheart

Adam Earheart

Secession wants to raise cavalry Home Guard

Answered