J.H. Robinson to General Lewis Merrill, December 24, 1862

[J.H. Adams statement:]

…Loutre Island has been full of rebels from that day to this through the influence of the Tablots Clarks Barts of the Island and others like them the Union men of this county were last Christmas lying in the wood sneery frozen Tod eath many of them frost bitten, all to keep out Cobbs hands when cut throat band held Danville at the time. And now this Christmas these same Union men are ordered down to the island to keep negroes from escaping from as notorious rebels as can be found any where in Dixie. It is shameful and outrageous, and I am mistaken in the militia here if any power can force them to hunt fugitive negroes for any set of rebels whether in or out of Mo- yet this is just what Gov Gamble is doing At the ? Of Talbot & Co he disarmed and disbanded all the Germans and now has not only upon the representation of rebels sent troops to guard their kitchens but allowed them choose what company should be sent How long can either white men or dutch stand it

[Robinson’s letter:]

…The Col. of this post just received an order to day, to send the company of enrolled Militia at this place to Loutre Island to protect the rebels of that vicinity against negro insurrection which the rebels believe to be on hand among the negros. Now, Genl. Are the true loyal men to leave there homes to go and protect the very men who have aided and countenanced this unholy war against the Government? Major Thos. Talbot has step sons who have been in arms, and one of them carried the news to the rebel camp last Dec. when the Federals crossed the river at Hermann, to protect the Union men & the rail road in Montgomery County, It is reported that the rebels in that Community have encouraged rebellion to a wonderful extend. They have talked it, and have threatened the lives of men loyal to the government.

The following list of names I send you under the promise you made me––

Thomas Talbot in his influence is rebel, as well as his sons

Wm J. Talbot is rebel, and his influence is great.

Henry Clark rebel and has aided in furnishing the rebels at Montgomery City in Decr. 1861

Dr. John D. Gregory preacher, influence very pernicious

one of the most dangerous in community

Rev. B.H. Spencer Preacher—S. Methodist, claims to be loyal now, but his association has been and is with rebels, his influence is the most baneful. The country would be vastly better off without him.

D.W. Nowlin Preacher—influence has [illegible]

Dr. Brown   near Wellsville—believed to be accessory to the murder of Col. Sharp—cannot prove it

Dr. Hale Pitman— A dreadful rebel, his influence is very bad, has been in arms from report.

Rev. Wm. Taylor. Presbyterian preacher. his house has been reported to be head quarters until within a few months, yet he claims never to have done anything.

R.B. McIlhany—Teacher at High Hill—influence very bad, claimed last summer that Jackson was the Governor of Mo. with Union men claims to be Union, but says his bread depends upon being rebel, with rebels

Now Genl, I send these names, I believe before God our country would be better off without these men, there is evidence enough to condemn every one, but union men cannot get it Their rebel talk is notorious Other names I will send you. Without something is done one party must leave.

    Most respectfully,

Your humble seat.

James H. Robinson

P.S. Since writing the above, my friend Dr. N.B. Adams has furnished me the inclosed statement, which I can testify to. I shall call and see you again so soon as my business will permit—

Respt &c

J.H. R.