A. Chester to Richard Yates

Washington D.C. Feb. 28,1863

His Excy

Richard Yates

Dear Sir

It is with no small degree of satisfaction that I can address you with a feeling of quietness and confidence in the stability of our Government and especially of the stability of the North West. This I feel notwithstanding I am in full possession of the facts that there has been an extensive arming of the K.G.C.s in the States of Illinois-Indiana & Ohio & know where I can find some of the arms. But in addition to the Regiments that are placed at your disposal there is a power organized ready for any emergency and when the hour arrives, that disloyalty shall unfold the flag of Disunion, an avalanche will be hurled upon it with terrible vengeance that cannot be resisted. I rejoice that you are in possession of the means of arming a force under your own control. They will no doubt be officered by prudent but earnest & determined men who will shrink from nothing in the time of danger, but few here know of these regiments, and few outside also

know of the extent of that army of Locusts of the old Prophet that is gathering for your protection and for your protection & for the protection of the Government. I may spend two or three weeks in Connecticut as I have been invited to do, but shall not leave here until after the fourth of March perhaps the 10th. I hope that State may be saved to the Union and I believe will be, but for some bickerings that have crept in to the Republican party

Most Respectfully

Yours

A. Chester

A Chester Washington DC July 28,63

Addresses the Governor with a feeling of confidence in the stability of their Government and the north west. Is aware that the K.G.C. have been arming, thinks he can find some of the arms. So glad to learn the Gov has power to organize regts and place at his own disposal. thinks an avalanch will be hurled upon the disunionist with awful vengeance.

Private