Summary: A letter from J.P.

Sallee to Doctor Martien claiming that he has been hunted down due to charges brought by Martien, that the neighbors believe Martien is the cause of the property damage they've suffered, and Martien is the focus of much ill will Source: Missouri Provost Marshal records, reel F1258, Missouri State Archives July the 21st 1861 Dr. Martien Sir I write this prompted by a principle of humanity and having first to obey the injunction of the Holy Scriptures to wit: Pray for your enemies. I hope I shall never lose that spirit of forgiveness which enables me to bless and curse not. Sir I have been hunted down as a fox in the thicket for the last seven days. My greatest desire while thus secreted was to know that my family was not maltreated. Thanks to all mighty God that he put it into the heart of one militia officer spoken of by my loving wife who treated her kindly and guarded her person & property. And all this search Dr. I fear has been at your instance, and for what? Because you were a more loyal citizen than myself? Or because your life was in jeopardy whilst I was running at large? I think you have had no fear as to my injuring you in any respect whatever. I think you know me too well to infer (unreadable) such an idea. But if I am not the only one that has thus been hunted down by our enemies and I awfully fear that you will be held responsible for all the depredations committed on persons or property in this immediate vicinity. I have had some intercourse with friends while secreted and the prevailing opinion is that you were the cause of the late troops calling in your house and making such general search and if you cannot satisfy your neighbors that you were not the cause of their coming and which resulted in such destruction of private property of which you are unaware? as also are the officers & as you know, instantly is the result of such (unreadable) body. I fear that something might be done that would be far worse that the destruction of our property. I mean Dr. that your neighbors move against you as their enemies and fear they may use violence with you or yours in secret. I hope and pray however that such is not the result. Be assured that you need not entertain any fears from me should I remain here and if I had not raised my family and trained to a higher principle. I have lived to but better purpose. I have and will continue to suppress as far as I am able any such thing and would be proud to hear something from you that would allay such a shocking result. You observe that I can't write as I would. It is not the fear of death at the hands of my enemies for I think I know my Redeemer liveth. But I have a family growing up around me that I want to train for usefulness and pray God to spare me for that purpose but not my will, but God, be done. I would like to have a private intercourse with you Dr. but am afraid of being betraid don't know where I shall be when you receive this nor shall my family know my whereabouts therefore I hope they may not be molested for not telling what they know not. I was taught to tell the truth while in youth altho it took my life and have endeavored to instill the same principle in my children's minds. Could I learn that an interview would not be hazardous too much on my part I would be gratified. I presume Dr. that you have a bodyguard which I know is entirely useless, yea adding fuel to fire. No more for the present. J.P. Sallee