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Lexington, Mo. Ap 30/61
Hon. Rich. Yates.
Sir.
As a patriot, I feel it to be my duty to communicate to you a scheme now concocting to get Missouri involved in war with the General Government.
You no doubt are aware that Gov. Jackson has been strongly for secession. A great change has suddenly come over the spirit of his dreams. He is now for armed neutrality. Since Saturday nearly all the secessionests in this locality have taken the same position.
Now Sir. I have it from the most reliable sources, and
corroborated by strong circumstantial evidence, that this is only a ruse to deceive the General Goverment. The intention is to apply to the Government for arms; to bring into Missouri all the munitions of war they can obtain; put them in the hands of the secessionests, fortify the State strongly, and then pass an ordinance of secession, and make the people vote it.
The union men up here are numerous, but they are threatened with destruction if they utter a sentiment in favor of supporting the Government. Give us encouragement, support, and protection, and we can defeat the plans of our enemies.
If you wish to know more, if you will address
Box 263, I will communicate when I can do it safely, for our Post Office is yet in the hands of one of the leading Secessionests. I expect to send this to Illinois by private hands.
Since writing the above I am convinced beyond all doubt that my conjectures are true. When this State is armed, every union man is doomed. If Illinois can do any thing for us, we beseech you do it quickly.
Lexington Mo.
Letter --
Personal
Not to be ans'd