Thomas Ridgway to Richard Yates

E. (illegible) ST. LOUIS MO.

Fourth Street...................bet. Olive & Locust

A. S. MERRITT, PROPRIETOR.

J.M. Kittrick & G.J.K. (Can,?) (Wren?) & Wine .

          St. Louis, Aug. 21st 1864 

Hon. Rich. Yates.

          Governor.

                Dr. Sir.

                           Since arriving here, I have consulted with Col. Jno. Olney, and he called my attention to the fact of our having organized in our town, a company of 40 black Men,- all free & citizens of our town_ they are drilling & in good condition for effective use, and their Captain is a white man, a friend of ours, who is a member of the U. L. and altogether all right.

we want arms for these men, they have already stood guard night after night with us, and when the time comes will fight in defense of our homes, and the Government.

           Therefore, instead of the 50 additional guns asked for in my Memo - we would like for you to send us 100 to 150 with ammunition for same: Also please increase my order of 5000 rounds of "Harper's Ferry MusKit Amo'n." to 10,000 rounds _

           You can show this to Genl. Paine.

                                      Respectfully & Truly Your friend

                                      Thos. S. Ridgway.

Ridgway Tho"s S.

       St. Louis. Mo

       Aug. 21st 1864.

States that he has learned since arriving in St Louis. from Col Olney that they have raised in their town a company of 40 Black men all free citizens. Their Capt. is a white man, a good friend. and a member of the U.L. They have no arms and he therefore wishes to increase his mem'o/ for 50 guns, to 100 to 150. guns, with amunition for same, also he wants his order for 5000 rounds of Harper's Ferry MusKit am'o increased to 10,000 rounds.

  Send to Gen Paine

done & ReAnswered

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