Letter-1864, January 11

Ordnance Office Dist of Border
Kansas City Mo Jany 11 1864

To whom it may Concern

   I am applied to in reference to the loyalty of the Rev. Thomas Johnson of Jackson County Missouri and Alexander S. Johnson of Johnson County Kansas. In reply; I have no hesitancy,—so far as an intimate acquaintance with them personally, and a careful scrutiny of their acts for nearly two years past, would enable me to judge—in avowing my entire confidence in the loyalty of the Gentlemen in question.

   I was assigned to duty in Jackson County Mo. in the Spring of 1862 and have been on this frontier ever since, most of the time in command of troops in the field, and stationed in the immediate vicinity of the Messrs. Johnsons.

   I have ever found them loyal in sentiment and acts, and upon several occasions have received from them information which proved of signal importance and advantage to the Government.

   In the case of the Senior of these Gentlemen I may say that upon my assuming command at Westport; representations were made to me prejudicial to his character as a loyal citizen, I at once investigated these reports in the strictest possible manner, and not only did I find them without the slightest foundation in fact, but on the contrary found them to be the result of private animosity originated with a view of gratifying personal malice. He was proven to have been a peacable law abiding man, having no part with the Rebellion directly or indirectly, but invariably supporting his Government and its laws as all good citizens should do. He was an active member of the Jackson County Union Association, aiding in its organization, and remains a member at this date   For several weeks he was driven from his home and his life threatened in case he should return, for giving information to me of the movements of the Guerrillas

   Mr. Alexander S. Johnson resides in Johnson County Kansas and since my acquaintance with him I have ever found him a consistent reliable Union man. To my knowledge he has often voluntarially taken up arms for the defence of the frontier while a private citizen and as Lieut. Col. of Militia has rendered efficient and active service in the field.

   For a long time he generously tendered the use of his buildings for the sick of my command and without charge supplied them with all the comfort and delicacies which their situation required and his premises afforded.

W.C. Ransom 6th Kan Cav Vols
Major and Chief of Ordnance
District of the Border

   I assumed command at Westport Mo. Aug. 2d 1863 & have been in command up to the present. During the whole of this time I have been acquainted with the above mentioned gentlemen, and cheerfully affirm that my connections and acquaintances with them leaves no doubt in my mind as to their loyalty and earnest fidelity to the cause of the U. S.

L.K. Thacher
Maj 9th Ks. Vols. Cav.
Commanding Station Westport

[From Photostat copy.]