W. D. Alexander to Richard Yates

Effingham Ills August 23rd 1864

Richard Yates, Gov,

Springfield Ills.

Dear Sir

Yours of the 16th Enclosing Copy of Proclamation is before me. In reply permit me to Say that the Union Men of this vicinity are ready as Ever to respond to the call for Men. I have no doubt but a full company could be raised in this county if the proper means was Employed to do it. There is a want of men that are willing to take the innitiate. Those that have been prominent in recruiting in this vicinity, have as they conceive been So Shabbily treated heretofore that they will not take hold of the matter under this call. From present indications there will be no Men raised here by voluntary Enlistments J H. I. Lacy, and L. W. Smith have both raised companies or parts of Companies, under previous calls And have been Set asside at the organization of Regiments, And men known here as copper heads

substituted. The truth is that Democrats have received nearly all the offices that have been distributed in this county. But just at this time they are opposed to recruiting and will await the result of the Draft. However I beleive if Some prominent Man was authorised to raise a Company to the Exclusion of all others in this County, and Secured in his position, that a company could be raised within the allotted time, otherwise I do not think it will be done.

You ask me how many men can be relied upon in this vicinity. I do not quite understand the question. If to repel invasion or Suppress insurrection, we can rely upon the Aid of nearly Every Union Man in the county to the Extent of his Ability. If However you refer to Enlistment under the call of the 13th inst, I do not think it Safe to rely upon any under present orders. Republican wish to See the draft Enforced hoping to get rid of Some of the copperhead and thereby Equalize the vote this fall. While they, the Democrats, appear to Equaly desire the draft holding that it can not be Enforced, And the probability is that they will resist its Execution. Could not

that miserably foul Slimy Seething cesspool of Treason & Corruption. That Blighting withering curse upon the fair Fame of our State. that insidious demon of iniquity the Chicago Times Newspaper be quelched, or Shall it continue to circulate in our Midst, continue to poison the verry atmostphere and Set the people raving Mad, continue to urge on its votarie to destroy the Lives and property of Loyal Citizens. is there no point when forbearance ceases to be a virtue. I tell you Candidly, that if Burnside order had not been revoked Mr Lincoln would have received at Least 200 more votes in this county than he will receive. We had at the Time the order was made Suppressing the Times 12 councils Ne Lit. in this county Numbering 600 members, the order was Endorsed by Every loyal man in the County, But Mr Lincoln countermand the order. Scince which time they have lost confidence in Mr Lincoln and we can Scarcely get 3 councils to work. the Members are indifferent and careless, and Many have declared for Freemont.

Any information you may wish will be given cherfuly

With Much respect I am yours

W. D. Alexander

Alexander. W D

Effingham Ills. Aug 16th 64.

Says that he dont know that any men can be recruited in that county As the republicans want the draft, to equalise the vote next fall.

Wants the "Chicago Times" squelched.

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