Executive Office, Iowa
Sept. 11, 1862

  SIR: A law has passed the General Assembly authorizing the organization in your county, and the other border counties, of a company of men for home defense against guerrilla bands from Missouri. The law will soon be published, and you will be able to see its provisions and learn its objects. I desire you to enlist the company for your county. I am informed that in some of the border counties there are men whose loyalty is doubtful, and whose wympathies are with the rebels. Such men must not be admitted into the company. I will not, if I can avoid it, be instrumental in placing the public arms in the hands of any man whose devotion to the gernment in this hour of peril is doubtful. I do not mean by this that none but Republicans shall be enlisted. I only mean just what I say, that your company must consist of open, known, unconditional supporters of the Government and of the Union, and I hold you responsible, if you accept this service, that you enlist none others. Your company can consist of not less than eighty, nor more than one hundred, men, all told. When you have enlisted the minimum number, you will call the men together and have them elect one Captain and one First Lieutenant, and report the names to the Adjutant General, who will issue commissions. The men are enlisted to act as mounted men, when their services may be needed, and each man must furnish his own horse, saddle, bridle, blankets and clothing. It is not intended these men should all be on constant service. A few men from each company will daily act as scouts, and the others are to be at home, holding themselves as minute men. Please also reort to me at Iowa City your action in this matter. I trust you will feel it to be your duty to do this work, and to do it firmly and thoroughly. It is for the defense of your own county, and the service should be promptly performed. If, for any reason, you cannot act in this matter, please hand this authority, indorsed by you, to some man who will do it in the manner herein set forth, and report his name and post-office address to me immediately.

Samuel J. KIRKWOOD

Thus, the hardy sons of Iowa, took up arms although they were insufficiently equipped and lacked military experience and training, ready to defend their families, homes, farmland, and the State of Iowa against invasion and destruction from any Confederate troops trespassing across the Iowa-Missouri border.