William A. Grimsham to John Wood

Pittsfield Sep 5. 1861

Gov John Wood

Quarter master Ge.

Sir,

Your esteemed favor of yesterday was recd today, with my thanks for attention to request as to ammunition.

The present necessity seems to be past, which called for the request made for Cartridges &c.

We fear the matter is not over.

The rascals were shy of our Pike Boys we are told that a Camp of 1500 exists on Salt River near N. London

It is probable Genl Pope will scare or whip them.

Genl J B Henderson & others expressed fears of an attack if we withdrew. We were compelled to do so; if nothing else would have obliged us want of ammunition would have done so.

Our Ills Boys are all at home.

No one hurt, (save one man by accident) of our party from Ills.

The war spirit is up in Pike.

We ought to have ammunition as we furnish ourselves guns & provisions.

We will go again if a call made. We had deterred an attack on Louisiana & [illegible].

The 6 pounder & the 42 Rds fixed & 42 Rds Cannister we left in Louisiana, thinking we would be recalled there.

I have the receipt of Genl Henderson of Mo. Militia, needs organization, subject to my orders for the State of Ills for Gun & Stores aforesaid. What is your pleasure as to Orders [illegible] & Stores aforesaid.

We think it expedient if you have the power to put the Ball & Buck shot Cartridges at

Wm A. Grimshaw

our disposal at a minutes order & even to have them here.

Our Rifles are farmers rifles of all guages, no regularity. Western made guns.

We have large Number of double barrel & some single shot guns.

May I have the pleasure of hearing further as to ammunition.

We urge respectfully that our border counties should be armed at once.

Yours truly

Wm A Grimshaw

W A Grimshaw

Secession

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