C. A. Leach to Richard Yates

Payson, Adams Co., Ill., Aug 27, '61

Hon. Richard Yates,

Your Excellency may recollect the mention in a letter of July 23 of the apprehensions of this region lest there shd be an inroad from the rebels of Missouri

Affairs here are becoming more complicated. Refugees of both parties are seeking safety among us. Several rebel soldiers have brought their families across & returned to fight.

Their spies have traversed the county.

Their visits make them familiar with it.

They will find 20 miles of road here, together, either one of wh would probably afford more supplies to an army than any one mile of some counties in the state.

This very industry & thrift of the community leave us destitute of arms.

When the river is frozen over & our Pork fattened, arms, organization, & discipline will be very essential. In order to the latter, arms are needed at once.

If we cannot get them from the state, we must get some for ourselves.

We hear that you have commenced the distribution. If so can you not spare us enough for a Company of Cavalry or for 50 at least, at once.

If you cannot provide us can you allow one of your subordinates to give us information as to where arms can be procured cheapest.

We find that cheapness will quadruple our numbers, if we purchase our own arms.

We suppose we need for cavalry a Minnie Rifle (short, 32 metres & with a strap) & Minnie Cartridges. A pair of pistols, one smoothbored (to carry buck shot, for use in the nights) & one rifled. A Sabre; short & heavy for unskilled hands.

Are we right? Any information will be gratefully received & vigorously used by

Your obdt Servt

C. A. Leach

C. A. Leach

Payson, Adams Co

Secession - Wants Arms.

answered