John A. McClernand to Richard Yates

Cairo Ill. Sept. 22d 1861

His Excellency

Richd Yates

Govr &c Sir:

Col. Buford will hand you this hasty note.

He visits Springfield, at my request upon a matter of vital importance to my command.

You are advised of the circumstances under which my Brigade left Jacksonville for this place. I will not enlarge upon or emphasize the inconvenience and disappointment of expectations which have followed. Col. B will, if necessary, explain these.

We are now here, the main and almost the exclusive reliance for the defense of this place, which is beleaguered by near enemies on three sides, and we are virtually without arms, and do not know when we will be supplied with such as are worthy of the name.

I make no merit of the sacrifices I have

made in entering the military service. Duty required it and that is enough; but in entering the service I expected to be enabled to make my service valuable to my country and honorable to my state, and those who have cast their lots with me in the field of danger.

I cannot do it without I am armed. My reliance, as you know, has been largely upon you, whom I have cordially and uniformly sustained in the discharge of your responsible duties from the first. I still rely upon you and with a confidence that all just expectations will be realized. Send me arms. Send me four thousand stands of the Eufield rifle, which I understand have been or will be sent to you. It may be that I have some claim upon these same arms as I was, probably, instrumental, directly or indirectly, in causing them to be sent. Send me arms and come down and see us, and we will give you a hearty reception. I have labored incessantly since I have been here, but all this will be more than compensated if you will send me arms with –--- which I shall be enabled to realize whatever of favorable expectations may be entertained by sympathizing friends.

Your friend and obt. servt.

John A. McClernand

Jno A McClernand

About Brigade

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