Flavins Henderson to Richard Yates

Mt. Pleasant, Ills; March 17th 1863

Hon Richard Yates.

Esteemed Sir.

I am forced to make this communication by the most painful circumstances.

I am one of the few Unconditional Union Men, who live in this part of our state, and we are in constant peril of our lives, we are threatened, our property destroyed, and Every possible injury done and indignity offered.

We have K. G. C.'s who meet at dead hours of the night and concoct their hellish schemes, and perform their infernal acts. Least night, my nearest neighbor, "James Bruff," an old man, and unconditional Union man, who has fought for his country, (in 1815 & 14.) suffered the loss of his orchard which he had been twenty five years in growing

His hart is almost Crushed at this blow of fiendish brutality.

Abner Cox, another union man, one who will not truck with the "Secesh" also, has not only had his orchard feeled, but he has been threatened, having found a letter in his own yard containing a notice to leave on pain of death. - Babcock has lost his fruit his trees having been feeled and his strawberry fields were littered & burried.

Rev Wm Wisener, a methodist minister, living on a rented farm, (belonging to a secessionist) suffered the loss of his horses, by poison. On Thursday night last, (12th inst.) there was a meeting in our district school-house, to elect officers and organize, to resist the arrest of the men who have deserted from our Ill Regiments, now at home. And Jame Newton, son is making cartridges and (suppliing) furnishing those who are willing to resist. several persons have

seen them. Now my Dear Sir. we have a disposition to stand by our country forever, and we need assistance & that speedily, our property is insecure our very lives are unsafe, but we would feel safe if a few of the most prominent & impudent of the K. G. C.'s were dealt with; (arrest a few & make witnesses of others, & you can prove them guilty of treason & many crimes perhaps)

For Heaven's sake set some measure on foot to arrest this spirit of tyranny or we (the Union men) may as well leave our homes & other property & seek safety Elsewhere.

I am a discharged soldier, I was a member of Co I 78th Ills Vols Inft

I am unable to serve longer in the army, but am willing to do any thing I can do, to forward the cause of the union & constituted authorities.

I am a poor man, not having means to live on, without compensation

for my labor.

Hoping to receive Ane consideration, sir I Have The Honor To Be

Your Obt. Servt.

Flavins J. Henderson.

P.S. Refers, to Hon D. T. Phillips, John Pory furty Ben. L. Wiley, &c.

Flavins J Henderson

Mt Pleasant March 17th 1863

Says affairs in his place are in a sad condition, says their lives are in danger reffers to several Union men that have had their Orchards destroyed their horses poisoned &c.

Hopes the Governor will send them help and arrest a few of the leading K. G. C.'

Rev

Recd Ex O March 21st 1863.