Mineral Point weekly tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1859-1868, 1863-02-25
Copperheads in Racine.

Racine, Feb. 10, 1868.
To the Editor of the Chicago Tribune:
l enclose you letter from Col. Mess
more of the 3lst regiment, now stationed
here. The letter will convince you that
Racine has traitors as well as your city.
Some time since, this Col Benson came
here, and with his lady took rooms ct the
Racine House Very soon the landlord
discovered to his satisfaction that this
Colonel was not here for honest purposes,
and compelled him to leave the house
Tie then took rooms at another house, and
soon became actively engaged in his bus
ness, which was to organize secret socle-
ties, and secure the release of soldiers
from Col. Messmores regiment.
Yesterday some facts came to light,
which caused "a letter to be written to him,
signed by many of our good citizen, tell
ing him plainly what his business here
was for, and giving him notice to leave
the city at once. About twenty persons
visited him with the letter and told him
that the tar and feathers were all ready
for him in the morning, if he did not
"skedaddie," which he agreed he would
do In short time Col. Messmore sent
down squad of soldiers and they escor-
ted him to the camp. On his arrival at
the camp, the Col called forward some
of his men, who stated that they had paid
this Benson money, by agreeing to get
them out of the regiment One stated
that he paid him Sl4 SO, which he wanted
back. Col Messmore ordered Benson to
hand over his jewelry to secure the pay
ment to the soldiers; he handed over
The Col. then ordered him sent to the
guard house and put in irons which was
done. This Benson avowed his intention
of going to Chicago, where he would be
better treated; and presume he will be
with you as soon as he gets clear Of the
regimetal prison He is a tall, intelligent
looking man, with sandy whiskers He is
a fluent talker, and consumes lots of poor
whiskey. As the Detector often remarks
we'll calculated to deceive.
Visit what regiment you will, in the
Northern States, and you will find such
men at work. 1t Is a preconcerted plan
of Northern traitors to break up and de-
stroy our army.
Racine is good for all the traitors here,
and as fast as the traitors show their
heads here they will have to ''skedaddle. .
Yours truly, A Z. DUTToN
Headquarters 3Ist Regt w V,
February IA, 1868.
a ?. Dutton, Esq:
DEAR CIR "A man VINO calls himself
Col. Benson, has for some weeks past
been doing all in his power to create dis
content and INSTRUMENTATION In my regi-
ment.
OF this / am absolutely certain, for at
different times | have had some of my
best men watching him, and on these oc-
casions he has been found closeted with
the soldiers, and in every instance trouble
has ensued. Others have been in concert
with Benson, among whom is one lawyer
Joy, and if the citizens desire to prevent
a conflict betw cen the civil and military
authority, | hope that they will see the
men above named, change their course
| know that the citizens of Racine are 10y
al, but it must be apparent to all that
there is an organization within your
boundaries, the avowed object of which
is to assist the hellish designs of jeff Da
Wis. The sooner this matter is looked in
to, the better have done all in the pow
er of man to keep my soldiers orderly,
and | now ask your cooperation in pre-
serving our organization intact
Yours respectfully,
(Signed) l. f. MEssMoRE,
Col. 3lst Regt Wis. Vols.