J. B. Turner to Richard Yates

Jacksonville Jany 1860 [1861]

Hon Richrd Yates. Dear Sir I wish you a happy new year! things look better: The taking of Fort Moulton - shipping of specie, and arms to the south, is all first rate, if true: could not be better possibly under "old [Jimmie?]": But then you and "old Abe" come in, we shall look for support and hope & courage to Gods wisdom, instead of to the Devils folly, as now, as our only recourse. Let the fool and the Devil rule till next March, without fear, and without faltering on our part. It is just the best thing that can be done: I thank God for it! I will not say that I hope, but I am quite willing, if they please, that more outrages should ensue to any extent whatever!

It will all only help clear the Deck for "old Abe." Who will appoint something else beside [treasons?] & prayer meetings on ship board, amid the storms:

But I intended to write only to ask you to peruse the notes I handed you, as I am negotiating, with a heavy publishing house in the East, for a book or pamphlet on Slavery: and I may wish to use some

of those ideas, either in their original form or as extracts from your annual message: And if you will use what you please and preserve the rest on file till I call for it, I will be greatly obliged to you

Yours truly J B Turner

Prof Turner

Turner