John Pope to Richard Yates

St. Louis Mo

Aug 14/61

Dear Governor

I have received with great satisfaction your several letters of the 12' (Inst) –

In relation to the apprehensions of the people of Quincy although I believe them to be wholly without foundation it will be sufficient to say that Genl Hurlbut with five hundred & fifty men of the 16' Ills is at Palmyra & that I have today ordered the [Iowa?] regiment with four pieces of artillery to Hannibal – These of themselves would be sufficient to ensure the safety of Quincy but in addition I have just had an interview with a committee from N.E. Missouri headed by James S. Green begging for peace. The system I have adopted in North Missouri is beginning to bear done upon the secessionists and they are or soon will be as anxious for peace as the union men. Green assures me that he has the power to make his brother & all other [persons?] in arms in his section of the county, lay down their arms & keep the peace &

solemnly promises to do so. I told him plainly that it was their only chance for safety as I intended immediately to bear down upon them & their property as they never had dreamed of before. Two union men of character, one from Canton & one from Edina came with the Committee & assured me that the pledges there made would be kept. I think there will be little more trouble in that section of country.

I know nothing & have heard nothing of the arms you refer to. I can get no arms here in the present State of confusion & know as little of them as you do. I sent you verbally by [Caisel?] my views & opinions of matters here from which you may deduce easy conclusions as to what can be done or what as can hope for, in regard to our Ills troops. You know how anxious I have been about them & how zealous I am to put them to such I hope that they will do justice to themselves & honor to the State. I confess I see but poor prospect of accomplishing what we both so much desire but you may be sure that I will do the best I can now & always.

I will suggest to Fremont

about the aid from Ills. though I have little expectation he will adopt my suggestion. Foreigners are the rage & will be until they are squelched out.

Every thing is in a State of excitement here today. Martial law has been partially declared in the city & the police put under control of the military. Troops in large numbers are going & have gone forward to Rolla. I hope the disaster at Springfield can be repaired.

I will write you fully when things grow clearer within a day or two.

Vry truly ur fd

Jno Pope

Hon R Yates

Springfield Ills

Gen Pope.

Aug 15/61