August 30^th 1864
Govr Bramlett

I write you at the request of a number of our most respectable Citizens without distinction of party M^r M Gore proposes to raise an independent Company for the avowed object of clearing our Country of Guerrillas

There are those in this Community who know the men gathering around him who believe they have a practical motive widely diferent from the avowed object, and some of their acts are confirmatory of that Spuspicion. If their conduct was represented to you as it has been to me, you would not hesitate to refuse organization to such a body of men, I am not a Sufforer and therefore make no personal Complaint, but many do complain & bitterly Complain of their course of Conduct

I refer you to Captn Burke provo marshall of this place Isaac Radley the Collector of Revinue, John Stuart assessor of revenue, Saml Haycraft Clerk of the circuit Court D^r Denton Geoghegan local Surgeon of Federal army at E Town. James Hill present Sheriff, all good Union men and many others that might be named. I refer you to these men. that you may derive such information as will satisfy you as to the propriety of the organization of the Company. It is desired that any action be suspended till you are advised I would have no hesitation in giving you my opinion but prefer your receiving it from the Source I mention.

We are aware of the danger that all men who are men of property subject themselves to by th thwarting such men in their views, I ask therefor that this communication be a secert between you and I. And if you shall write to the men I name that the Secrecy.. Consistent with the publick safety be observed.

I see Hardin County is placed on the list to fill her quota of the Comeing draft at Something over one thousand and credited by some 400 leaving near Six hundred to be drafted I think there is a great error in that number and when credited it is stated there I am Satisfied near 300 negroes have been enlisted from Hardin County. I am told a credit of some 41 is all that [...] has been allowed. How shall this matter be remidied My judgment is; a draft in Ky at this time would furnish the South more white men than it will furnish the north. And

Yours truly

John L Helm

Head. Qrs. Ky. State Guard.
Hardin Co. Aug 30^th 1864

Requests that the authority given M. Gore to raise a Company, be revoked. From the character of the man, and of the men he is gathering around him, he believes his objects are widely different from those expressed.

Refers to divers Federal and State officers in E. Town as to the character of this man. Desires that this letter, and also any that may be written to or rec^d from the parties refered to be regarded as private & Confidintial —

Answered Sept^r 1. 1864
on letter book B. P. 58

R. I. G. O. Septr 1^st 1864