“Dear Doctor: The first item that I send you is in regard to my banishment, as an act of ecclesiastical persecution.
“In the town of High Hill, Mo., on the 16th January, 1863, I received from the hands of a Federal soldier the following order, viz.:
“‘Headquarters N. E. District Missouri, }
“‘Warrenton, Mo., Jan. 13, 1863. }
“‘Provost-Marshal, or Commanding Officer, Danville, Mo.:
“‘Sir: You will cause the following persons to leave the State of Missouri, within a reasonable time after the receipt of this order, and reside, during the war or until permitted to return, at some place north of Indianapolis, Indiana, and east of Illinois. They will be required to report to you, by letter, once a month, and are not permitted to leave the State by way of St. Louis, but directed to go by Macon City and Hannibal, Missouri. Rev. B. H. Spencer, * * * * * * *.
“‘By command of Brigadier-General Merrill.
“‘Geo. M. Houston, A. A. G.’
“The above order was accompanied by the following:
“‘Headquarters 67th Regiment E. M. M., }