T. F. Rice to Richard Yates

Hd Qrs 4th U.S.C. Arty. Heavy.

Fort Halleck

Columbus Ky

Oct. 3rd 1864.

To.

His Excellency. Gov. Yates of Illinois

Governor,

The Hon. Gideon Welles Secretary of the U.S. Navy desires me to present to you his compliments, and requests that I be allowed to recruit Colored men for the Navy at Cairo Ills. the men thus recruited to be credited to the State of Illinois. Knowing that at Cairo there are many Colored citizens who are not in Govt. Employ, I am confident there would be no difficulty whatever in getting such numbers of men as Secy. Welles should desire for his purpose.

I have the honour to be Governor,

Very Respectfully,

Your Obt. Servant

T. F. Rice,

2nd Lieut. 4. U.S.C. Arty. Hy

Stationed at Columbus Ky.

Rice T. F.

2nd Lt 4th USC. Arty. Heavy.

Columbus Ky Oct 3 64

Says that Secty. Welles desired him to present his compliments & try to get permission to recruit colored men in Cairo for the navy.

Wants permission