Augusta Ky
Dec. 17^th 1860.
Gov. B. Magoffin
Dear Sir

The clerk of our Court has received a letter from Felicity Ohio, saying some of the citizens of that place had decided upon an invasion of our County for the purpose of liberating our negroes — The author of said letter fails to sign his name, because he states if he was known to have made such a disclosure he would be driven from his home &c — We are inclined to beleive this a hoax, but he details & refers to some circumstances which have actually transpired in our County, that convinces us of the prudence of being prepared for any emergency —

The writer states further — that these Abolitionists have Confederatesat several points in our own County — We have urged the propriety of keeping this threatened invasion a secret, for if it should as we suspect be a hoax, its publicity would produce unecessary excitement, & be gratifying to these infamous scamps in the North — Under the circumstances we think we should be prepared for any emergency that may arise, & we therefore write to ascertain from you whether we can be supplied with arms &c in the event we raise a company — We desire to know this before we make any move. Write us at your earliest convenience upon the subject. Can we also have a cannon — Felicity you are aware is the

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head quarters of John G. Fee who was driven with his associates from this County — He doubtless entertains towards the people of our County for that act an especial & implacable hostility, and would urge any thing which would gratify his revenge —

You doubtless have good reasons for the contrary, but it strikes us in this perilous crisis that the citizens of our whole state should be armed and ready for any state of things which may occur — Such preperation could not we believe result in, or be productive of harm to our country — It could be distinctly avowed why it was done, I cant think such a course of procedure could or would add

anything to the excitement of our country, or with an avowal of the reason for such action, mislead the Extremists of either section — Our people have great confidence in your wisdom & prudence, but can,t understand your policy upon this point —

We suggest that the object of this letter, for reasons you will at once suggest perceive, be kept a profoundsecret —

Let us hear from you, & if you can accomodate us with arms, what sort, and send us blank bonds & instructions —

Very Respectfully
Yr Friends
Thornton. F. Marshall
L J Bradford