A. H. Bodman to Richard Yates

Chicago Tribune Office

Chicago Aug 6. 1864

His Excellency

Richard Yates.

Dear Sir.

I have just returned from a visit to the disaffected portions of our state including the counties of Coles, Edgar, Clark, Effingham, Jasper, Moultrie, Shelby, Christian, Montgomery, Bond and Lafayette, and think I am tolerably well posted as to the condition of public sentiment. I am irresistibly led to the conclusion that there is imminent danger of outbreak, unless steps be immediately taken to prevent such a contingency. When armed men are allowed to parade the streets of our large towns and villages and openly proclaim defiance to the Government, and a determination to resist the enforcement of the laws, When a band of Traitors sworn into the Confederate Service and officered by men who hold confederate commissions are allowed to occupy a camp in one of the counties of the state and

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plunder loyal men without let or hindrance; when regiments officered by our own citizens are allowed to drill and perfect themselves in military instructions with impunity, and where citizens are allowed freely to cheer for Jeff Davis and announce their determinations to shoot abolitionists and loyal men at sight, it occurs to me that the occasion has arrived for the authorities to take official notice of the fact and apply the remedy. All of these things have I seen during the last two weeks in the Counties above alluded to. There are armed bodies of men in rebellion in Jasper, Montgomery and Moultrie Counties, and the question arises "Should not some means be taken to bring them to punishment."

I do not know if you have any authority under the law of the State to call out troops but it does seem to me that at least take regiment of mounted men should be placed in the field for State duty immediately. If you cannot do this under the state law, cannot permission be obtained from the General Government!

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I have been requested by prominent citizens to interest you in their behalf and have been asked to take command of one of these regiments if allowed to be raised. I would do so, if you selected me. Please write me your views upon the subject - not for publication - and suggest a remedy for this terrible condition of affairs. The regiment could be raised in a week from the counties referred to, the citizens are in earnest about this matter, and I trust you will give it your serious consideration

Yours very truly

A.H. Bodman

Bodman A.H.

Chicago Tribune Aug 6th 64

Has been in different parts of the State and sees evidences of dangerous outbreaks by disloyal parties Thinks two or three Regiments should be raised for State defence Would like to command one of them.