T. M. Seawell to Richard Yates

Nashville Ills 23 April/61

Hon Richard Yates

Governor of Ills

the condition of Republicans in this den of sesessionist is critical the Devil is in them on last fryday evening I unfirled the Gloryous Stars & Stripe of my countery over my storm door I was soon informed that it was offensive and that I was threatend with a mobing & the taring down of the flag on Saturday morning I again hoisted the flag of my countery, the Blood of secession boiled all day - a flag with a palm leaf was hoisted in a nother

of the town during the day numbers came to me and informed me that my life and property with that of my famely was in great Danger that a mob would be on me that knight unless I should hall down the stars and stripes - I however still persisted after sunset two of my Republican friends come to me and intreated that I should hall down the flag as the only securety for the intire row of Buildings I told them had rather die as yeald sutch a point. but for there sakes as they would by involved with me, and to avoid an ishue I consented

and hawled down my Counterys flag with an akeing heart I am the But of the mallice of Jef Davis men in this place I thought you had better posted as to the state of affars hear as we may kneed some protection from you. my policy is to avoid an ishue by all poseble means

I think It would be impolitic to attempt to rase a company hear at present your advice will be gladly recd - Saturday is the day appointed by the shriff to rase a company the news in town of your sending men to Cairo is producing a great flutering they appear to think that your are a head of them

hopeing that we shall soon be able to tryumph over the Enemys of our Countery I remain your most obediant servant

T. M. Seawell

N.B should you think Best Rais a company hear & keep in Readines say so

From Nashville

Washington Co.

To be filed & ansd