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To the "Loyal Leagues."

GENTLEMEN: Governor Yates has called for 20,000 volunteers for one hundred days. He calls particularly and peculiarly upon the "loyal men" of Illinois to make up this number. You profess to come under that appellation. You are meant by that term. He wants you to sweep the ranks of the 20,000. You have an opportunity to carry out your principles of the last man and the last dollar, without a great amount of bodily danger. You have professed to be willing to fight. Why don't you enlist? Why do you allow the recruiting officers to present such barren reports? Why not enroll your names?

As the governor has, in effect, disclaimed the wish that "copperheads" should enlist, the success of the call must depend principally upon you. As it is stated that the military forces of the United States are to be used to "clean out copperheads," after they have fought the battles for freedom of the negro, it is not to be expected that many persons of that persuasion will enlist. On you it depends whether Colonel Davidson shall command a regiment. Will you come to his rescue? It is a good time for you to enlist. Heretofore there has been some danger to your precious bodies, but now you may pass through a whole campaign and never hear the boom of cannon, or the clang of steel. It is now a safe business — almost as safe as the wideawake [unknown] in which you engaged four years ago.

You can show your loyality at little risk, and, (this is private between us) there is good reason why you should show it, because it is getting to be extensively doubted. Enlist, and copperheads can never say again that you have not been in the army. Enlist, and be a "flaming giant," ready for a fight with the enemies of your country. Enlist, and let us see the streets towards the front ‘swarm’ with you. Enlist "loyal men," — enlist, all of you, and thus give a slight evidence that you mean what you say. — Peoria Mail.

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