A. C. Clayton to Richard Yates

Office of the "Jerseyville Prairie-State," Jerseyville, Ill., April 20, 1861

To His Excellency, Gov. Yates,

Dear Sir:

There is intense excite- ment here among all classes in regard to the war. Republicans, of course, and a few Democrats, stand firmly by the government. When the news of the attack on Sumter first arrived, together with the call for troops, the Democrats were nearly unanimous against the Govern- ment - some, and not a few, were expressing decided secession sentiments. Fortunately, however, our Court was in session, and we induced Judge Palmer and Judge Woodsen to address the people. Their speeches were conservative and patriotic, and had a tendency to turn the tide of public sentiment, so that very many Democrats are now disposed to do right. Yet there is a strong opposition, and some open secessionism. Nevertheless, we are gain- ing on them.

Our boys are trying to raise a company of volunteers, and some

Clayton, AC

names have been enrolled. But they make slow progress, in consequence of the obstacles constantly thrown in their way by the secessionists. What we need is, some prominent, influ- ential Democrat to come and stir them up. I understand McClernand is doing much good in Sangamon and Morgan, in allaying party feeling and arousing the patriotism of the Democrats. You know what he is doing, and what his views are better than me; but if he is all right, the feeling is very strong among the friends of the country here that he could do an immense amount of good here as well as in Greene County. I have, there- fore, been urged to write to you an earnest request to send him down, if in your judgment it may seem best. It seems to me it is very im- portant that public sentiment in Southern Illinois should be brought right if possible; for if Missouri and Kentucky should secede, I am well satisfied an effort will be made to carry Southern Illinois out with them, or if they fail in this, to

throw as many obstacles in the way of the Government as possible. I have heard such sentiments openly proclaimed. I have no idea they could succeed, but they might give us a good deal of trouble. But a few speeches from the right kind of men in these strong Democratic counties, would soon make us essentially united.

I send this by Mr. Jarboe, and trust you will give it your attention, and if you can find time should be glad of a word of encouragement from you. You may be assured that I shall stand firmly by you and the Administration, and use my little influence in behalf of my country.

The secessionists are making much capital out of that clause in the President's Proclamation, wherein he says the first duty of the volunteers will be to re-take the forts. They

have succeeded in making very many good men, who would otherwise give their influence to the Administration, believe that he means by this to pursue an indiscriminate aggressive war against the whole South with a view to subjugate it. They are circulating very industriously a report to the effect, that you recently said that in a late conversation with the President, he declared to you it was his intention to pursue this war until the last dollar of the money and the last drop of the blood at the command of the Administration are exhausted! Absurd as this is, many are foolish enough to believe it; and if you think it of sufficient importance, and consistent with your position, to authorize me to deny it, I think it would have a good effect.

Trusting that you will favor me with an early reply, I remain, very respectfully Your obt. Servt. A.C. Clayton