Dick, Franklin Archibald (fl. 1863) to Charles Drake
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04274 Author/Creator: Dick, Franklin Archibald (fl. 1863) Place Written: St. Louis, Missouri Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 12 June 1863 Pagination: 5 p. ; 25.5 x 20.5 cm ; 4 p. ; 32 x 20.5 cm. Order a Copy
Written as provost marshal of St. Louis. Replies to Drake's request for information concerning the Missouri congressional laws about emancipating slaves in compliance with the Emancipation Proclamation. Details General Orders no. 35, which instructed the provost marshals "to take testimony as to the acts of disloyal slave owners," and ascertain the facts. Explains that there is great opposition to the enforcement of the law. "...for the spirit of resistance to it amongst the Enrolled Militia, has left those officers nearly powerless in the absence of U.S. troops, and they being the first men who have attempted to execute a law of Congress in this State against slavery, have met with the combined opposition of all supporters of that institution." Includes his four page testimony proclaiming that slavery should be immediately abandoned in Missouri and giving a list of reasons why, including, "...for it is the Enemy of Every other interest in the state..." Pages vary in size; some with embossment at far left.
Franklin Archibald Dick worked as an attorney in St. Louis, Missouri. During the Civil War he served as assistant adjutant general to Nathaniel Lyon at Camp Jackson and as a Missouri provost marshal general under Major General Samuel Curtis. Charles Drake worked as a lawyer in St. Louis. A member of the Republican Party, he served in the State's House of Representatives (1859-1860) before being elected to the Senate in 1866. He was a strong opponent of slavery.
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