Excerpt from Sketch of the Incidents in the Life of Isaac H. Sturgeon: Written by Himself in January, 1900; Born September 10th, 1821, Died August 22d, 1908

The second day after Lieutenant Robinson took up quarters at the arsenal he came to the office of Mr. Sturgeon, then in the old postoffice building, Third and Olive Streets, to inquire whether there was any loyal force in St. Louis that could be relied upon to rally to his support in case of an attack upon him to take the arsenal. Mr. Sturgeon then replied that he knew of none, but that during the canvass for President in 1860 he learned that two Republican organizations existed, known as the Wide - Awakes and the Black - Jaegers, and that they were armed. He sent for Francis P. Blair, Jr., to inquire of him, but he did not know. He said he would find out and report to Lieutenant Robinson at ten o'clock the next morning at Mr. Sturgeon's office. He learned they were armed and would act with Lieutenant Robinson. For a time after this matters seemed to quiet down, but as the days went by Mr. Sturgeon became satisfied, from the knots of secessionists gathered on the corners of the streets in earnest discussion and seeming conference, that plans were under consideration for overcoming the little force under Lieutenant Robinson and taking the arsenal. Mr. Sturgeon was greatly perplexed to determine what he had best to do. Just at this time his friend, Major David Hunter, afterwards General Hunter, arrived at the Planters House and took rooms 011 the first floor on the Chestnut Street front. Mr. Sturgeon at once called upon him and stated his apprehensions and discussed matters very fully, but General Hunter was unable to advise him what course to pursue.

The time was fast approaching for Mr. Lincoln's inaugura tion, and General Hunter confidentially revealed to Mr. Stur geon that he and major-general John Pope had been selected among a few others, to be a bodyguard to Mr. Lincoln in getting to Washington. General Pope was the uncle of Mr. Sturgeon's wife.

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