Letter signed Edw. Bates [Edward Bates], Attorney General's Office, to Gov. H.R. Gamble, Jefferson City, August 12, 1861
Digital Image
Identifier: D03034
Language of Materials
English
- Hamilton Rowan Gamble Papers | Letter signed Edward Bates, Attorney General’s Office, to Governor H.R. Gamble. The New York Times of Aug 7 contained a very false and foolish article denouncing you and your proclamation. It struck me with astonishment, and even more for its folly than its wickedness. I cannot yet find a fact or a motive by which to account for it, and am left to guess that it is one of Mitchell’s epileptic fits of nonsense; for I am confident that Raymond is not fool enough to have written or sanctioned such a compound of wickedness and stupidity. Don’t let such things as that disturb you equanimity, and don’t trouble yourself to counteract its effects outside of Missouri. On this side, others will see to it, for in reality it concerns the public far more than it does you. I have written Mr. Raymond the Chief Editor of The Times [to] retract the article. We are in deep anxiety about the present disturbed condition of Missouri. For mercy’s sake, cooperate heartily with the Federal powers, whether you exactly approve of everything done or not. Make every effort and any sacrifice to suppress the social war within the state, and to drive out the invaders so as to remove the seat of war below our southern line. To avoid the evil that is now upon Missouri, I have, for more than two months, been seeing the occupation by our troops of western Arkansas – the thrusting in of a wedge of our power between Arkansas and Indians. Fort Smith and Van Buren ought to be held by us, and both rivers [White and Arkansas] controlled. It was not to be expected that Congress would do everything wisely and well. Some of their proceedings are not to my liking; but in the main, they have nobly sustained the nation in this trying crisis. I know you will approve of their acknowledgment of God, and their call upon the President to proclaim a fast. BY command of the President, I wrote the brief proclamation which you will see in the papers. I never before felt such necessity for faith and dependence, and never such cheerful comfort in believing. Individuals mentioned include New York Times, Edit Mr. Raymond, Mitchell and Congress. Places mentioned include Missouri, Arkansas, White River and Arkansas River. (3 pages), 1861 Aug 12
Repository Details
Part of the Missouri Historical Society Library and Research Center Repository