Richard Yates to Abraham Lincoln

July 9th 4.

His Excellency

Abraham Lincoln President U.S. Sir:

I have examined the enclosed statement of facts by Mr. Adolphus Meyer and also his letter to Genl. Meigs with the endorsement of Lt Col Oakes, and deem the subject of sufficient importance to be presented to you before it comes to the proper officer. I think that some action should be speedily taken to prevent the frauds reported by Mr. Meyers and recommend him as a proper person to be entrusted with the mission. Mr. Meyers has formerly been connected

with our State Arsenal, than as Armorer in the U.S. Ordnance Department, and lately as detective employed by the former District Commander of Illinois, General Ammen and afterwards by Lt Col Oakes Ast Provost Marsh General. I have had occasion in all these various branches to become acquainted with him and think he is mostly of the Irish. He combines shrewdness with energy and reliability and will undoubtedly be of service to the Government if employed. As some of the illegal acts complained of seem to originate and to be aided by persons in the Quarter Master's Department of the Department of the Cumberland, he has seen proper to address his communication to the Quarter Master General -- if however you should think that the appointment should come from some other

source, I would request that the papers be referred to the proper Department and he be informed of any action which may be taken in the premises as soon as possible. I think if Mr. Meyer is properly assisted, he will do much towards cleaning the Department of the Cumberland of an organized system of fraud.

I am, Sir, Very Respectfully, Your obed't serv't, Rich. Yates Governor