Annotation
[1] ALS, RPB. No reply from Curtis has been found. Nathaniel W. Watkins, a prominent old Whig, had led a force of Missouri State Guards (Confederate) in the early months of the war. On November 30, 1862, he wrote Lincoln as follows:
``In December of last year Mr. [John W.] Noell the member of Congress . . . wrote to my son saying . . . that he had an interview with you in relation to me, that you had expressed kind feelings for me and that if I would come Home, and give my word that . . . I would be loyal, and take no part in the Rebellion you would restore me to my rights, and protection as a citizen. . . . Afterwards you were kind enough in the month of February last to cause the indictment pending against me to be dismissed, and restored me to all my rights as a citizen.
``So soon as I learned this . . . I returned to Missouri, and reached my home at this place in July where I have resided with my Family . . . doing nothing in any way prejudicial to the Government. . . .
``On the day before yesterday . . . Coln. Albert Jackson . . . without cause or provocation forceably drove me and my family from our House giving but three hours notice. . . .'' (DLC-RTL).