Letter from Haskin Smith to Governor Ames

Port Gibson Aug 3rd 1875.

To the Hon Gov Ames.

Dear Sir.

It is with no ordinary commotion I write you this epistle but it is with the greatest pleasure of my heart I would like to borrow about 24 guns for the use of our brass band the have been thereatened to be waylaid by the Democrats We went out last Saturday to pay for the speaking about fourteen miles west of Port Gibson and when on our way home we met two or three men who told us there was a crowd of Democrats waiting on the road to fire on us as we came by so we all had to get out of the wagon and change our course. by the band getting out of the wagon and changing our road was all that kept the fuss down if you will let us have those guns we will keep them safe and let no one know where the came from and if you should organize a Militia here we will all Join my self and the band will be personaly responsible for the guns Paye and other leading ones are in favor of it and instructed me to write to you

Keep this to yourself and let mw know whether you will let me have them If so I will come up by land and get them

Yours Truly
H S Smith