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Springfield Ills March 1.st 1863
A. Lincoln President U.S.A.
Sir.
We deem it our duty to give you our opinion, (in as brief a manner as possible), of the condition of political affairs in this state, at this time; and what you may surely expect will take place here in June, if Steps are not taken to avoid it
At the meeting of the Legislature in June they will, we think, pass an act taking the military power out of the hands of the Governors abolish the Adjutant General office, and appoint a commission placing the power in their hands; they will resist a draft or any attempt to apprehend deserters and return
them to their regiments in the field; which class is fast accumulating in our midst
For the remedy, we would suggest in the absence of some better plan, (by the General Government), that at least, four of our old regiments that are now mere skeletons, be ordered home, under pretext of recruiting, so as to be here before the adjourned meeting of the Legislature, and be under the Command of some loyal Commander, who may be clothed with military power to declare the State under martial law, if need be, and disperse the Legislature if such anticipated step is attempted.
When the four regiments are raised under the order of the Secretary to Governor Yates of the 9th ult. then probably the necessity for the four old regiments may cease to exist, at which time they will be filled ready for duty in the field.
Mr President we hope you may find time to give this note attention. We do not speak under excitement, but from our deliberate convictions
We remain Yours Respectfully
(Signed)
William Butler
O.M. Hatch
Jesse K Dubois
I concur heartily in the above
(Signed)
Richd. Yates
Copy Mr Lincoln from
Butler
Hatch
Dubois
Yates
Mailed Feb 28, 1863.
Butler, Dubois & Hatch For additional troops & old Regiments