Rebellion Record: a Diary of American Events: Documents and Narratives, Volume 5.
Frank Moore, Ed.

Sir: There being no confederate troops in this city or its vicinity, any persecution of Union people that may occur hereafter must be the work of evil-minded citizens, and will subject those citizens to summary punishment. Many Union people have been taken from their homes and confined in prisons on frivolous charges. It is my intention, on any recurrence of such outrages, to seize two secessionists for every Union man thus seized, and to subject them to precisely the same treatment which one loyal man receives at the hands of the disloyal.

I am here to protect the Union people, and this duty will be performed to the best of my ability. It is my earnest desire that this duty may be [336] executed without any forcible demonstrations against those who unhappily differ with us in political sentiments. In other words, overlooking the past, I hope all citizens will remain quietly at home, attend to their own business, and attempt no persecution for opinion's sake. I insist that citizens be allowed to trade with us unmolested, and that my officers and men shall be permitted to land and go about the city without a guard. If officers or men violate any municipal law, they will be punished on a report being made to me by the city authorities. If any officer or man is detained, I shall be obliged, however unwillingly, to open fire on the town. Very respectfully, your obedient servant,