John W. Gholson to [Richard Yates]

[1861]

Fredericktown Mo

Dear Sir, Some one has done me the courtesy to send me your last message which I have read with much concern I am astonished to see the high degree of loyalty to the Union the people of your State exhibit Since this war has begun had the people of the free States generally you would have healed all complaints with the border & adjoining States observed this same loyalty 2 years ago now I see the citizens of your State promptly execute the fugitive Slave law I suppose from the wholesome instructions that you give now my Dear Sir I have one favor to ask of you as Supreme Commander Politics as well as military to give from under your own hand & seal of office the right to 3 of our citizens to obtain their property [remaining?] at large in your State 7 persons of coulor fugitives from labor who left their owners between 20 July & 20 Sept 1859 Your humble Servant [had?] one also to get to your State but got killed in the process of capture by people of your State for the reward a gentleman of your State of high respectability told me he had no doubt that the Same persons who had a hand in taking men had a hand in persuading him a way this was Mr Harmon C Cole of Chester one of the persons who lost 3 succeeded twice in having the 3 boys put in jail

and both times win turned out before he could reach the place by the Abolitionist one of our neighbors heard of one of his in Sparta & went to a Hotel keeper and asked him if he would assist him he agreed readily so to do but took care to entertain both all night in different rooms only an [inch?] plank between their beds and our neighbor shot at the next morng when he left without his servant or any Inteligence of his where abouts this are the causes of compliant on the part of Mo & if your honor would issue a proclamtion to the citizens of Mo & other Slave States that have lost their Slaves in your State to come forward with the necessary proof undr the fugitive Slave act aided & assisted by your people when necessary Succession would be out in 10 days as all the old citizens generally do not desire sucession they rather keep quiet themselves & teach the young men to do so too now if your Honor has any power by the laws of your Own State to do this; by proclamation or by private permission you will please let your humble Servant know if such a thing under existing circumstances would be practible & legal in your State South East Mo lost in the Summer of 1857 – 79 of the most likely Servants that belonged to the South part of our State & only 2 [illegible] one of them came back of his own accord to a widow woman in Cape County our citizens would be glad to know if they could get them provided they can find them. As we have seen recently when your admin

istration promply delivered up 5 to Some Gentleman in St Louis county they have frequently heard of [theirs?] but for fear of exciteing the times decide it most prudent to desist & never will go without Some assurance from your Honor

Please answer this at your earliest convenience & oblige Your Obt Servant

NB It is thought by papers that Mr Blair has gone to Washington to supercede Mr. General Harney in command at the Barracks this the people are very much opposed to if you would rais your voice to Mr Lincoln in this you would do more good than any other men could of this; [twice?] Harney is quieting things Blair will increase the excitement will you not help to stay the hand of Trouble

Yours for the Union & Peace

John M.Gholson A Missouri Letter

About Slaves, Governor's message &c