Jason L. Gage to Richard Yates

St Louis April 23/61

Gov. Yates

My son Charles Gage who resides in this city received a letter from his brother James [illegible-L.?] Gage who has a machine-smiths & plow shop at Carbondale Jackson County Ill. from which the following is a copy

"The feeling against the republicans & all not strongly in favor of slavery is intense & as the government will probably send troops down the road & some of the inhabitants are determined not to let them go-there is a strong probability of a war here & if there is my chances are poor. I want father to consider this well & advise me what to do, but by no means to come here

At a meeting here last week the people agreed to tear up the sails & burn the bridge above here" (This refers to a long bridge across Big Muddy river four miles north of Carbondale) "if troops were sent down the road & they will probably try to do one or both I do not feel very much excited-not enough to leave my work or lose my sleep but think it best to consult about the matter"

I have written him in return to do nothing nor to say any thing to irritate these people. Thatt the Legislature of Illinois will meet in a few days when treason will be considered & measures adopted to prevent its commission that if they publish their proceedings he should save copies of the

paper-if not make a record of the officers the speakers the resolution maker & the active men who move in the matter I expressed my belief that when they learn where Douglas stands & what the undivided sentiment of the north is they will slink away into that obscurity that they only emerge from to do the works of darkness My family removed to Carbondale over a year ago Here we became instantly obnoxious & my sons have often been threatened with personal violence for sentiments I have uttered They would not threaten me why I know not but did once assault James when a cripple three at least resolved to beat him but he escaped & fearing he would kill them they never after attacked him The society of Carbondale or rather the want of it drove us all from that place to Columbus Ohio except James If I did not know that all who uphold secession are mad men I should have no fear that James would be molested He is [prudent?] & brave 28 years old & is not without friends I do not know as I ought to have troubled you with this letter at all I know what sort of a meeting has been held in DuQuoin & in other counties north east of there but it is probably well enough to send some school master into that part of Egypt which lies in Jackson Union Williamson Saline Franklin Johnson & a few other counties to teach them that there is such a crime as treason & that treason will be punished I can refer you for the character of our family to Frank Blair here to Gov. Dennison of Columbus or Sect Chase & perhaps Mr. Hatch of Springfield may know something of us or at least of the mother of my children if he does not of their father. Mrs Frances D Gage has often spoken of Mr. [illegible-Hocket?] & he may remember her Yours Respectfully

Jas L Gage

My sons letter from Carbondale was written April 21/61

Jas L. Gage

St. Louis April 21/61

Secession in South. Secs.