John G. Mitchell and C. B. Lear to Richard Yates

Naples Scott County Ills July 28th 1864

Hon Richard Yates

Governor of the

State of Illinois

Dear Sir

I am instructed by a vote of our Council U.S.A. to inquire of you if we can be supplied with arms. If we can get the arms we propose to organize our Council and put it through the Military Drill

The reasons for making this request of you are 1st That we have a great many Strangers among us from Missouri who are not as loyal as they might be. 2d The Correspondence with Missouri from this point is largely on the increase 3d By inquiry of Post Masters in Mo we find that Some of the men among us are very bad men. 4th We are informed that there is a plot to bring the Mo bushwhackers among us. 5th We are Satisfied that the Copperheads in our neighborhood are arming and providing themselves with amunition. If we can get the arms and amunition we can give you ample Security that they will not be use for any improper purpose. Yours Very Respectfully

John G. Mitchell

President Council No 1240 USA

C. B. Lear/ M P

PS We will want 110 Stand of Arms

JGM

Mitchell John G.

President U.S.A.

Naples July 28th 1864.

Wishes to inquire if can be supplied with arms. if so proposes to organize the League into Company & drill They have many men there from Missouri who are not loyal. Correspondence from there with Mo is on increase. Are informed that there are a plot to bring the "Bushwhackers" among us. If they can get arms can give security that they will not be used for improper purpose-

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