Thomas G. Allen to Richard Yates

unofficial

Chester, Ill. April 19 1861.

Dear Governor:

The time has arrived for action. Treason must be put down and traitors punished. I know you are resolved, and I have full confidence the state will respond to your patriotism.

Here, in Egypt, is where the traitors most do congregate, but I have faith to believe they will be [illegible]. "Thrice is he armed who hath his quarrel just," and this text is a sermon within itself.

I enclose you an address which will be published tomorrow, which I trust will assist in calling out the patriotism in this county. It will prove to you there is one at least (and I believe a few days hence it will be proved there are many more) willing to give the lie to the asserted disloyalty of Egypt. If you think it will be of service as an affect to what will be urged by Green & Co in the Legislature, you will please hand it to the Journal and let it go out to the state at large that traitors do not hold undisputed sway in this region.

I am hopeful we will have a company formed here and ready for a regiment to be made up in this District. I am too much of a Quaker to make a good officer, but as a private I will try to do my duty.

Faithfully & truly yours,

Thos. G. Allen

Hon. T. G. Allen Chester April 22d

Hon. T.G. Allen Chester