James J. Ferree to William Thomas

With William M. Thomas letter 6/22/61 With Richard Yates letter 6/24/61

Cairo Ill. June 20th 1861

Friend Thomas

I write this that the receit of it may “stir up your pure mind by way of remembrance” in regard to the small sharpes Rifle in the State Quartermasters department which is of a lot taken from the Hillman. Tell Gov Yates that as I got my appointment with the assurance that I’d preach pray or fight as circumstances demanded, I want something to fight with, &, that if he’ll send me a requisition for this gun I’ll give Col Paine, Col Palmer and Leonard Swett as security that I’ll make good use of it. If he will give the requisition he can correctly describe it as a small rifle of sharpes pattern, taken from the Steamer Hillman and enclosed in a box marked, “4 joint fishing rods” let the requisition include the appurtenances and the ammunition which was with it and I will be

Your obliged + Obet Servt James J. Ferree

Rev. J.J. Ferris

20 June 1861