H. N. Reightley to Richard Yates

Knoxville Jan 17th 1863

To his Excelency Richard Yates Governor of the State of Illinois

Sir:

It may not be proper for a private Citizen at this time of danger & excitement to in any manner add to the already overburdened labors of the executive of our State - but I am prompted much through fear but more from loyalty to give my knowledge & fears to the keeping of some one having the power to prevent trouble & disaster - The Loyal Citizens here Through this Section of Country have great fears of insurrection; & one of the leading men in organizing this insurrection we belive to be James W. Davidson of Monmouth. Sylvester Stevens is thought to be

the main man here; although there are many here very bold in denouncing the Administration. S. Stevens before mentioned a short time since boldly denounced the General Government declaring at the same time in the presence of two or three Citizens he would like to be one of two thousand persons to go to Washington and Cut out the God-Damn Heart of Lincoln & his Cabinet. They are becoming more bold every day & are all well armed - but a few days since a School was dismissed by two Democratic School directors .6 Miles south of this place because the Scholars sung Union songs at recess; at the same time one of those Directors tore down a Union flag put upon the School house by the Scholars. I state to your such facts as can be known In Monmouth not ten days since Democrats were heard to declare

that Lincoln would not be President two months longer this was not a public declaration but was overheard by a [Loyal?] Citizens. Said J. W. Davidson is Continually traveling & dos most of his talking in public [s-ings?] and many are expecting to see [wonders?] soon. I yesterday was on the cars & meet Chas Harris M. C. Elect from Quincy District who is I believe a Loyal man & who then was on his road to Springfield; he said to me he fears an outbreak in this state very soon & had great doubts if it Could be provented Now all this information may be stale to you & of no benefit - If of an good I shall be glad. I donot wish my name used unless necessary as it will make me the object first aimed at here

Yours VT

H. N. Reightley

H. N. Rheigtley Knoxville Jany 17 '3.

Treason rampant in his section of Country. Predicts an out-break. School dismissed by director on a/c of scholars singing Union songs. Union flag torn down from school house'

"Rebellion"