Keokuk June 9th. 1861
Genl N. Lyon1
Dr Sir
Yours of the 6th is received. AH the Iowa Call 3 regiments each over 1000 strong are here. Two thousand muskets and 40 rounds of cartridges are distributed, I am ready to cooperate therefore although as yet we lack tents haversacks and knapsacks and many other things which we hope soon to receive. But in case of immurgency command me and I will respond promptly.
In the mean time I am keeping myself advised of movements on the Missouri side. The Unionists are greatly in the ascendency in Clark county; but at Aetna in the edge of Clark and Scotland there is a nest of traitors that ought to be blown up. Yesterday they had a Union meeting called there and some 200 unarmed Union men assembled to hear a speech. The traitors to the number of 100 came armed with rifles shot guns &c. guns loaded and prevented the speaking. They have a Company commanded by one Capt Duil and the carry the Secession flag There is also a flag on a high pole in Aetna–red white and red– and a blacksmith manufacturing knives and other weapons. It is a little town of about 200 people. There is also a company of traitors about 40 strong at Edina The Union men want some kind of military or civil authority with [a few] arms to [go and destroy the rascals.–crossed out] put the rascals down LaGrange or Alexandria would be a good point for mustering a force and there are thousands of Union men anxious to be enrolled: but they have no color of Law while the traitors are organizing under the State law.
Something is needed to countervoid that develish Legislative treason, [by charging Iowa with a breach of state soverignty–crossed out]
If you had a little force at Alexander or Legrange it could be easily Augmented from here so as to operate effectually with the Union men and without any fuss on the score of state interference & state pride. [The Union men of Clark could easily raise a considerable force ready to be mustered in if you have authority for so receiving force and they want a hand in wiping out the Squad at Aetna.–crossed out] There is a company of 300 Union men ready for organization in Edina and about 200 in Clark willing to fight and anxious for arms to crush out the rascals. I think a few days would be needed to get the rascals together again at Aetna where they might be surrounded ala Camp Jackson.
I am drilling my regiment very hard, and will soon have it in excellent condition as the material cannot be beat. Come up and review us. You will find a hearty welcome, and it will give encouragement to my efforts in advancing organization discipline and drills. [I expect a class mate of mine A Kean will have command [of] the 3d Regiment so you may soon count on fine backing by pretty well drilled troops from Iowa–crossed out]
Very truly yours
Saml R Curtis
Col 2nd Iowa Vols
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Nathaniel Lyon, United States Military Academy, 1841, engaged in the Seminole wars, on the coast in California and stationed in Kansas prior to the outbreak of war, was an ardent northern sympathiser. Appointed in charge of the St. Louis Arsenal in February, 1861, he was made a brigadier general in charge of Union forces in St. Louis in May. He was killed in August, 1861, in the bloody battle of Wilson’s Creek.