R. D. Noleman to Richard Yates

With petition asking for arms 8/1/64

Collector's Office,

United States Internal Revenue,

11th District, Illinois.

Centralia, August 3d 1864

Hon Richard Yates

Springfield Ills

Dear Sir:

We have advised with Judge Moulton, D. L. Phillips and others in regard to the necessity of a thorough organization and arming, of the reliable union men of our place, and they are unanimous in urging the necessity of the measure. We have something over Two Hundred men who can be relied upon, one half of whom can arm themselves. We have a number of shop hands and some Veteran Soldiers who if properly armed with arms of a uniform Kind, could be made very efficient in case of an emergency.

We are fully aware of the importance of a proper control of such organizations, and a judicious use of arms so furnished.

The parties whose names are attached to the guarrantee herewith enclosed are

among the most responsible men of our place, and I have no fears that they will be used to bring on an unnecessary collision

Yours Respectfully

R. D. Noleman

Noleman R C.

Centralia Aug 3rd 1864,

Has advised with Phillips Mouton and others in regard to a thorough organization of all Union men of that place. They have over two hundred men that can be relied upon one hundred have arms. Encloses request from the Citizens for 100 stand---with guarantee &c.