F. A. Smith to Richard Yates

                      Columbus Ky Sept 5th 1864

To Your Excellency

Richard Yates

         Govr Ills

                       Sir

                           I am Authorized to recruit for the first Battalion of the 14 Tennesse Cavl Vols And as there is A Large number of Tenn'se refugees in Your State which Claim to be Citizens of Tenn'se and are not Enrolled under the Enrollment Act in your State but which are rather A Source of discontent among the citizen There. and I write you to Learn if I can be permitted to recruit such for my Battalion.

                         I think they owe service to there goverment and those that are unwilling to assist in protecting themselves and their goverment in this its great day of Trial do not deserve the protection of its freinds

                 I solicet A reply at your Earliest Convenience

                        I am respectfully your

                            Obt Servant

                            F.A. Smith 1st Lient

                                       Columbus Ky

To his Excellency

Richard Yates

       Gov'r Ills

Lt. F. A. Smith

ColumbuS Ky. Sept 5th/64

He is recruiting for the 1st Battalion 14 Tennesee Cavly_ Wants to know if can recruit the Tennesee Refugees in Illinois for that purpose.

Answered_ No_ Sept 14th/64

Soomis

ADC