W. A. Dains, H. C. Hunter and Frank G. Yoeman to Richard Yates

Elkhorn Grove Carroll Co. Ills.

Feb 7th, 1863.

To his excellency.

Richard Yates. Sir-

We the undersigned committee in accordance with the request of a majority of the people of this township would respectfully inform you of certain facts connected with the disloyalty of certain persons who in our opinion deserve to have notice taken of their treasonable doings.

There is a class of men here in our midst who publicly denounce the Government and the President calling him the most scurrilous names. They openly declare that they will forcibly resist the draft, and all who may seek to enforce it. also that they will resist the collection of taxes. They assail our most worthy citizens in the public highway and threaten them with their vengeance if they speak or write in favor of the

President & his administration, the draft; the assesment or collection of taxes, or any thing tending to encourage a continuance of the war. They declare that the Southerners are fighting for their rights against the aggressions of Northern Abolitionists. They declare that they are ready and willing to exchange shots with any Union man. And avow their intention of discouraging enlistments. The above enumeration of their offences, will not cover the whole ground, but we state them in order that you may know some of their treason, and also whith what we have to contend. These men are among our most prominent townsmen, viz. Farmers, Mechanics, Lawyers, Doctors and Merchants.

About eighteen months ago an association of the loyal citizens was formed to counteract the influence of the disloyal. And it is in accordance with its request that we now address you. We therefore ask for instructions as to the course most proper for us to pursue with them.

We address you familiarly

not knowing any of the dignified phrases of "Politicians" but nevertheless hope that you will give us instructions in regard to those items of which we have informed you. We are sure that the copperheads are forming societies hostile to the Government, and that many of our citizens are engaged in it. By answering this letter immediately and giving us all necessary instruction you will greatly oblige the members of the union defense association.

We are &c your obdt servts

W. A. Dains,

H. C. Hunter

Frank G. Yoeman

Committee

P.S. address H.C. Hunter, Elkhorn Grove Carroll Co. Illinois

H.C. Hunter

Elkhorn Grove

Feb 7th 1863

Writes in reference to the secessionists in his place. Wishing to know what can be done with them.

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