Julius White to Richard Yates

Head Quarters Draft Rendezvous

Springfield Feb. 7, 1863

Sir

I have the honor to enclose herewith a communication from Maj A. K. Campbell of the 66th and Capt Van Sellar of the 12 Ill. Infy. respecting the recent disturbances in Edgar County

Having no jurisdiction beyond the limits of the City of Springfield and the camps in its vicinity, I respectfully refer the communication to your Excellency, for consideration.

I am Sir Very Respectfully

Your Obdt Servt

Julius White

Brig Gen U. S. Vols.

His Excellency

Richd Yates

Governor of Illinois

Julius White Brig Genl

Comdg at Springfield Ills.

Sir

We the undersigned would respectfully make the following statement for your consideration.

On Sunday the 31st ult. we were informed by reliable authority that armed men were assembling at a point ten miles distant from Paris Edgar Co Ills. where ourselves & some of our men were enjoying the furloughs granted to Veteran Volunteers and that one hundred and fifty of these armed men were approaching Paris for some unknown purpose. As one soldier had been killed and others maltreated in Edgar Co within the past few months we deemed it our duty to assemble & arm our men for defense against threatening violence and there quietly occupy some defensible points which we did. We chose the Court house and occupied it in a quiet and orderly manner. Soon after a party of armed & mounted men came in from the direction in which we were informed the mob were and when within hailing distance dared us to fight and then fell back a short distance. We sent out a small

party of our men with an officer to capture them or otherwise ascertain the object of their coming against us.

As our party approached them they fired upon it and fled we returned the fire wounding one who is supposed to be the commander of the mob in the field - Johnston. We captured four of their horses. We remained on arms all night as we were were informed they intended 'a raid' on the town.

On the 1st inst. Amos Green a lawyer of Paris who was arrested for treason sometime since and is now under bonds for his loyal behavior confessed that he had sent a messenger to that part of the county from which these armed men came for arms & men to come to Paris to protect some property against which no demonstration had been made by soldiers or any one else. He admitted this to the undersigned and two days afterward promised to send out and disperse the mob. He did send out one O'Hair former Sheriff of the Co and on the 4th inst. we learned the mob had dispersed. Amos Green clearly proved his control of the armed force by convening & dispersing them at pleasure and we consider

him responsible for the attack & disturbance on the 31st ult.

Amos Green is now in Paris and the names of the armed men who fired upon us may be obtained if desirable

Obtly Yours

A.K. Campbell

Maj 66th Ills. Infty

H. Van Sellar

Capt 12th Ills. Infty

White, Brig Genl. Julius.

HdQrs. Draft Rendezvous

Springfield, Feb 7, 1864.

Enclosed for Consideration of Governor a Communication Signed by Major A K Campbell of 66th Infy. & Captain Van Sellar of 12th Infy. reporting the disturbance in Edgar Co in which the returnd Soldiers were fired on by an armed mob and further raids apprehended

Get up a letter referring this matter to Prest to be signed by state officers

Executive Office Feby 15 1864