Dear

The continues his courtesies, and permits us to see our friends. We hear this morning that the will not go down with his troops to day <​(to )​> as was anticipated last Evening, but, if he does come down with his troops you will be protected, & I want you to tell to instruct the people to stay at home and attend to their own business and let there be no groups or gathering together unless by permission of the — they are called together to receive communications from the — which would please our people, but let the direct,— of course, will obey the orders of the Government officers, and render them the assistance they require. There is no dander [danger] of any “exterminating order” “Should there be a mutiny among the troops, (which we do not anticipate, excitment is abating,) a part will remain Loyal, and stand for the defence of the & our rights; There is one principle which is Eternal, it is the duty of all men to protect their lives from every and the lives of their household whenever occasion <​necessity​> requires. and no power has a right to forbid it. when arrivest should the last extreme arrive,— but I anticipate no such extreme,— but caution is the parent of safety.—

I am very much resigned to my lot knowing I am justified and have done the best that could be done give my love to the children [p. [1]]