James Campbell to Richard Yates

U. S. Quartermaster's Department,

Springfield, Ill. Aug. 23d 1864

To His Excellency

Richard Yates,

Gov. of Illinois,

Governor,

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Communication of the 22d inst. in relation to the shipment of arms by Express to Militia in various parts of the state.

I assure you of my readiness to assist to the full extent of my power, in accomplishing the object desired, but am without any instructions which would warrant my furnishing at the cost of the General Government, transportation by Express or otherwise for Arms to State Militia, under Authority from the State officers.

Permit me to suggest that if you were to refer the question to the Sec. of War. by telegram, he would probably, at once Call upon the Quartermaster

General to instruct me in the matter. In the mean time any assistance which Can be rendered by the teams of the Government, or the Employees, short of the responsibility for disbursement of funds, shall be most promptly given.

Hoping that no delay or embarrassment may rise from the restrictions under which I am placed,

I am Governor, Very Respectfully

Your Obt Serv't

James Campbell

Capt & aqm

Campbell James. Capt & aqm

Springfield Aug 23d 1864

Wants instruction in regard to the shippment of arms to Militia Companies in various parts of the State

Hdqrs. Dist. Ills. 23. 8.'64.

I will telegraph Secy War for authority to Capt Campbell to furnish the required transportation and meantime request Capt Campbell to transport the arms to Shawneetown & Carlinvill today. I will undertake to procure authority to cover it.

Respy &c

H. E. Pain

B.G. E