Hugh M. Robb to Richard Yates

With A.C. Harding letter 12/14/63

Clarksville Tenn Decr 28th, 63

Gov Yates

Dear Sir

Inclosed you will find a letter written by Gen A C Harding, which I intended to deliver in person, I went from Chicago to Springfield on the same train with you last Wednesday night, I expected to have an interview with you, but was told that I could not before a certain time, my time was limited and I could not remain. The Generals letter will explain the object of my call. If you feel warranted to do so I would like to get a letter from you to Gov Johnson of Tenn, and on to the examining board at Nashville. I am near fifty years of age, was never sick a day of my life, and can now stand the Service equal to any man in my Regt.

I have been an unyielding friend of the Colored race for twenty five years past and at the commencement of this war I advocated the policy of arming every able bodied Negro that was willing to fight for his own Liberty and the Liberty his country. Now that the Government has adopted this policy I would like to get a command not merely for promotion but also that I may have an opportunity to labor for their morel wellfare, and I pledge you the honor of a Christian that I will labor to make them good soldiers of our Country

I do not claim that I have don anything but my duty in the mighty strugel for Liberty but I have the satisfaction of a good concience that I have don that much, I have a Son that Shares in the glories of the 45th Ills and one in the Chicago Mercantile Battery,

Yours Truly Hugh. M. Robb 1st Lieut

Co D 83d Ill Voll Inft

Robb Hugh M

1st Lt Co D 83d Regt.

Clarksville Dec 28, 63.

Wishes a position in a Colored Regt. Letter to Gov Johnson of Tenn also letter to Ex Board at Nashville - Encloses letter from Col Harding.

Send him the letters asked

Executive Office 7 Jany 64

State of Illinois

Executive Department.

Springfield 186