R R Ironworks 23^d Junly 1861
Phil Swigert Esqr
Dear Sir

We have ^had^ a home Guard organized at this place for about 6 weeks. We have made an attempt to procure arms from the Genl Goverment. but have as yet failed most of our men are poor but first rate & these hard times many of them cannot raise means to pay for their uniform & Gun both, as the freights &C on the Guns from the Goverment will cost $1.50 each. we have money to pay for uniform & music. I wish to know if we cannot get Guns from the State. If we organize according to the late law in regard to Home Guards — There was 100 Guns I think Given toGenl Johnson^s secession Co of Montgomery Co. He never paraded more than 25 or 30 men I understand that Company is about to disband It was raised under a secession flag. What chance would there be to get 50 of those Guns — or some from Frankfort. There is a company at Stanton 4 ¹/2 miles from me that want guns. Home Guards good men — If we could get Johnson^s guns would do for both companies. The company at Stanton I wrote you about several days since marched last Saturday under a secession flag —

There has been in the last 3 or 4 days considerable stir amongst the secessionst in this neighborhood. on last Saturday two of them 1 from Paris. R Haw^s son & a man by the name of Cole from Winchester arrived in the neighborhood at 12 oclock at night & next morning early had conference with some Secessiont & returned Sunday morning. I have had some hints, that they expected to make an attack upon the arms in case any should be attempted to be carried through Ky for East Tennessee

I have a Son Geo M Jackson of Winchester. late Editor of the National Union, a paper published in that town who is now engaged in raising a company to Join Genl Rousus Regiment near Louisville or to go to Cumberland Gap if necessary. he has only been at it a week & has about 50 No 1 men & think he will make it from 80 to 100 this week. If not too busy will you please write me. I feel some interest to know where we are to get Guns. we have ^some^ desperate secessionist in our neighborhood & may have to use the guns at home

Your Friend
Josiah A Jackson

You might show this to Harry I Todd & other friends you might think proper

J A J

J. A. Jackson
Estill
Rec^d & ans 25 July 1861.