L. Balch to Isaac Arnold

Copy –-

War Department

Washington July 30th 1864

Lieut Isaac Arnold Jr

Springfield Ills.

Sir:

Your letter of 19th inst asking instructions on subject of arms sent to you at Springfield, on the application of Gov Yates was duly received and submitted to the Secretary of War endorsed as follows, 'Ordnance Office July 26th 1864 Respectfully submitted to the Secretary of War for his instructions in relation to the 10,000 arms & set of accoutrements sent to Lt Arnold, in pursuance of the Secretarys order of 1st instant to send 15,000 arms to Illinois – These identical 10,000 had just been sent to St Louis Arsenal, on the [request?] of Lt Arnold (over)

that he had armed all the 100 day men from Illinois, and “he now reports that they are not wanted for troops of this kind, but that Gov Yates wishes them sent to Chicago to be available in case they should be wanted. The question now submitted is, shall the arms be turned over to Governor Yates, to be accounted for by him, or shall they remain in charge of Lt Arnold, and be taken by him to Chicago? Geo D Ramsey Brig Gen Chief of Ord”

The letter has now been returned to this office, with the following order endorsed thereon, “The arms in question are to remain in charge of the Ordnance Department, and to be turned over to Governor Yates only upon regular requisitions for the purpose of

arming troops actually in the service. They will be left at each place as is most safe and convenient. By Order of the Secretary of War – C. A Dana Asst Sec of War –War Department July 27th 1864--

The forgoing is communicated for your information and your will be guided strictly, by the Secretarys direction in reference to these arms.

Respectfully Yours Obt Servt

Signed By Order Geo L. Balch

Capt of Ord [Prov?] Asst to Chief of Ord--

The above is a true copy –

I Arnold Jr

1st Lieut of Ordnance