J. G. Cormick to Richard Yates

With E.W. Weldon letter 11/19/64

With J. G. Cormick ".....11/28/64

With Kohl & Warner ".....11/21/64

With S. P. Tufts .......".....11/18/64

With John Schroeter ".....11/21/64

                                                  City of Centralia, Ill.,

                                                                 Mayor's Office,  Nov 21st, 1864

To His Excellency

Gov. Richard Yates

                      Sir

                          On the 15th last the 62'd Infantry Col. True passed through this place on its way to Cairo and while here committed many depredations upon private property, and in some cases grossly outraged individual rights._

                          The men scattered our town _ and it soon became apparent that business would have to be suspended about the Depot - our Merchants closed their shops.

                          The men refused admittance, amused themselves with breaking in windows _ no less than half a dozzen being broken in one (region?).

                          In such places as they could gain admittance private property was appropriated and in some cases things taken only to be thrown into the streets afterwards.

                          I suppose the people suffered to the amount

of two hundred dollars - in some instances outrageous language being used in presence of ladies.

                           It is proper to state that I was not in town at the time- And what I write is from information of others - but if necessary it Can be substantiated under oath by good and loyal men.

                           I am informed that while the men were acting so badly _ the officers, or at least a portion of them were Cognizant of the same and made no effort to preserve order.

                            I Enclose you some letters from loyal men, who were witnesses _ and respectfully refer you to them.

                            I need not inform you that this City is loyal (fair?) to me, as proven at the late Election, _ as well as by its past acts towards the Soldiers _ Last Sunday week over one hundred dollars was contributed at one of our Churches for the benefit of Soldiers Orphans.  The sufferers in the recent outrage being so far as I Know are all loyal men. I incline in their opinion that but few of the Regt were Engaged, the mass condemning their conduct _ and that

the outrages complained of could have been prevented by proper efforts on part of the Col.-

                             Our people have requested me to lay the matter before you in hopes your Excellency will take such action in the matter as will leave Col. True to do his duty in future _ and to protect us from similar occurrences hereafter.-

                             As I am personally unacquainted with your Excellency. I would respectfully refer you to Hon. J R Dubois  D. L. Phillips and H Minor, in regard to my loyalty.

                               I am Sir with respect

                                    Your Obt Servt

                                          J. G. Cormick  Mayor

CormicK J.G

          Mayor,

Centralia Nov 21/64

The 62nd Regt Col True while passing through there a few weeks ago- committed many gross depredations upon the citizens & their property. Requests that the officers be punished-

          Acknowledged recps

            Abstract & return to Go-