Milton Bartley to Richard Yates

Shawneetown Ills March 30, 62

Gov. Yates

Dear Sir I got home well and found nearly all opposed to our new constitution in advance. I have however fully satisfied myself of one thing. That is that the secession wing of the Democratic party understand themselves as well in the Southern part of Illinois as they do about Springfield and that that party will use their whole power to elect the new constitution. Every man whom I have heard to express himself for the new constitution is of that class. Outside of these no one is for it here. I fear with

vote of Cook County, Peoria, Ottaway, Springfield and Mt. Vernon (which places are made to be interested on account of their Supreme Courts) that the new constitution will be adopted and if adopted I fear that in consequence of the mode of voting on certain separate articles that certain articles will be adopted and if so we will come near a revolution in our own state. I allude to the three articles on the negro. I am determined to use my influence against this new constitution. If I liked it as well as the old still I would prefer the old. Because I think it best to hold the public mind (during this rebellion) as much

as possible free and against all changes. For a change in our state constitution is but sowing the seeds of a further desire of change. and again to elect the new constitution is but to build up a party, the members of which are full of treason. I find my appointment as states attorney gives general satisfaction here, and I have made all right with Davidge by engaging him to prosecute for me at Caledonia the first Count. If you conclude to convene the Legislature please write me. For it is my intention to cooperate with no party except the Union party till this Rebellion is put down & them [neither?] We have nothing here of interest. I found our city pretty nearly under water but it

is now receding.

Yours truly

Milton Bartley

Hon. M. Bartley

March 30th

Prospects for adoption of new constitution in Egypt

Ansd M

Mr Moses

Please send Bartley the Documents

Show this to Col Dubois & Mr Hatch