Page 238

237

[I feel my gums a little sore. Brooks is
better. McGeary the same.]

My new mess behave gratefully and
[after a fashion] do their best. I allude
only to my late messmates for the three
rebels are only kept under by severity.
John has recovered from his late knock
down and was informed by me that the
next mutinous expression or act would
be punished by a resort to [second?]
weapons and the third by death.
These are grave words, but not uttered
lightly, or without painful thought,
Under our present circumstances. Every
man must be knit together, how is a
subordinate question. Every real man
already feels this and from my old
guard down to my new seceeders there
is but one sentiment, both written and
and expressed "to be governed implicitly
by my will. The men Godrey & Blake
are the two rebelious members of a community
which does not admit of even
the agitation of doubt. No man must
think here but me. Except in ordered
council they must be govered blindfold.
I am their appointed and chosen
leader and must consult the good
of the greatest number. I have
therefore made up my mind [after
consultation with my officcers]. That
if the day comes when we must work
outdoor and together without the
means of confinement or exclusion,
I must then check descension by
an immediate, and fearful example.
These men have threatened my
life but are already afraid to