F. Wallace to Richard Yates

with E. Capps letter 8/16/64

Vandalia Ills Aug 16th 1864.

Gov Richard Yates

Springfield Ills

Sir -

An effort is being made in this place under the guidance of certain leaders of the Peace Democracy of the County to organize a Military Company and draw arms from the State. This company numbers over one hundred men and was organized ostensibly for the defence of the town. One E. M. Vance is Captain. The Company is composed altogether of Copperheads some of whom are known to have been in sympathy with Clingman and his gang, and it is generally understood that a large majority of them belong to the secret order that controls the movements of the Democratic party---and that the arms if obtained will be used to resist the draft or against Union men in case of any collision. As there is already a company of Union men organized in this town and who are provided with guns obtained from the State, and it is not yet full it occurs to us that these

men might attest their good intentions by joining this organization. This however they have refused to do and the Peace party leaders who have opposed the draft and who oppose the administration uniformly of both the State and National Governments, have Engineered and conducted the movement. It is the belief of all the prominent Union men of the town that the arming of this Company will be attended with only evil results and that a number of the men composing it would rather fight with Clingman and his gang than against them. And in the [illegible] of any outbreak they would be found with the bushwhackers plundering and shooting Union men. That you Excellency may take prompt and immediate action in this matter and prevent this Company from obtaining arms is the wish and desire of a large majority of the Union men of the town and county.

These men have the endorsement of Col [Remann?] of this place who informs me that he permitted his name to be used without reflection but upon mature consideration he is convinced that the step will only lead to further trouble and possibly a collision between the two political parties. Hoping that you will give this matter your earliest attention I am

Your very Respectfully

F Wallace

Dept Provo Marshal

11th Dist Ills

and Dept U S Marshall

for the Southren Dist

with F. Wallace letter 8/16/64

Vandalia Ills Aug 16th 1864.

Gov Yates,

We cordially endorse the statements made in the enclosed letter by Dep. Marshal Wallace, and hope the suggestions of the same will be attended to at the Earliest moment practicable.

E. Capps

Wallace F Depty Pro Mar

Vandalia Ill Aug 16, 1864

States that a Copperhead Company has been organized there. That they are some of them Clingman men. their Capt is E. M. Vance. Does not wish any arms furnished them.

Answer to feel easy on this point.

Answered as directed

Aug 23 1864