March 25, 1862, Saint Joseph, Mo.,
Brigadier General Ben Loan to General J. M. Schofield

 HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF NORTHWEST MISSOURI,
Saint Joseph, Mo., March 25, 1862.

 Brig. Gen. J. M. SCHOFIELD,
Missouri State Militia, Commanding, Saint Louis, Mo.

GENERAL: In pursuance of instructions contained in yours of date March 21, 1862, I send to Saint Louis under guard Robert W. Donnell, Israel Landis and William K. Richardson, of this place, and Henry L. Routt and President Thompson, of Liberty. The first three are prominent secessionists here who were committed to jail some time since by the assistant provost marshal for obstinately refusing to give the bond as required by General Halleck's late circular. Among the rebels we have had none more potent for evil than they. I suppose it is not necessary to send the evidence in their cases they having been decided by the provost-marshal here. If I am in error in this I can have it forwarded.

Routt and Thompson were taken at Liberty at the time Colonel Catherwood was there after Quantrill. I do not know whether the evidence has been taken in their cases but it is not more necessary in Routt's case than it would be in Parsons', Rains', or perhaps General Price's should he be captured. Routt's misdeeds are almost numberless and I presume he will not pretend to deny them. President Thompson is president of the college at Liberty, a Baptist preacher. I do not know personally of his conduct but in the public estimation he has done all that it is possible for a man of his very superior abilities and acquirements and of his commanding influence could do for the cause of the rebels. If necessary I can have the evidence sent from Liberty.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

 BEN. LOAN,

 Brigadier-General, Missouri State Militia, Commanding District.

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