Henry, Patrick, 1843-1930 to John J. Pettus
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC07082.03 Author/Creator: Henry, Patrick, 1843-1930 Place Written: Brandon, Mississippi Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 5 August 1862 Pagination: 3 p. : address : docket ; 24.8 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
Writes to the Governor of Mississippi about Rankin county, Mississippi, which is in very bad condition due to a lack of able bodied men. They fear a slave uprising. "In our county the able bodied men have been so reduced by volunteering and drafting that the militia is not only greatly reduced, but the people are insecure from an outbreak of our blacks." Asks him to do what he can by using his position as Chief Magistrate of the state. Says there are hardly any guns or ammunition. Gives his advice to remedy the situation. This includes furnishing powder and ball to the board of police of each county to distribute to the people, and bringing the minute men back home to provide adequate protection. States, "The great object is first, to over awe the slave population, should discontent spring up, by the presence of armed men in each county, and second, to prevent these demoralizing inroads, which small bands of the enemy might make in neighbourhoods, greatly to the injury of life & property."
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