, Letter, , Sangamon Co., IL, to JS, [, Hancock Co., IL], 29 July 1843; handwriting probably of ; endorsement in handwriting of ; seven pages; JS Materials, CCLA.
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Confidential
July 29. 1843.
DearSir:—
By the hand of Mr. Backinstos, who leaves for your tomorrow morning, I write a few lines in reference to the present position of the matters connected with your late arrest.
You will recollect that my mission had sole reference to the investigation of the facts connected [with?] your arrest and subsequent discharge? Whether any unlawful means had been used &c:, so that the could act understandingly in the matter, after the hearing of my report.
I was surprised, on my arrival at , to find prevailing among your people, so much apprehension, and so general an impression that the of was actuated by feelings of hostility towards them, and that he would seize with avidity, the opportunity which the application of the agent of would present, of issuing another writ, and calling out the militia for your apprehension.
I will not speak of the motives which induced such a gross misrepresentation of the feelings and views of . I presume that the <subsequent> conduct of the individual who sought thus to place the in a wrong position has fully explained to you those motives. You will recollect, that I then assured you that the was influenced by no unkind feelings or improper motives in the matter— that he acted (and with reluctance too) in obedience to a Sacred constitutional obligation, which he could not without dishonor disobey. I know his feelings towards you, and again repeat, that no [p. 1]