John A. Redman to Richard Yates

Shawneetown Illinois

April 19th 1862

Gov Yates

Dear Sir

I was in Springfield a few days since, to see you on some business which I will state below.

I was a "Musician" in the 29th Ill Regt and while we were out on a march through "Missouri," I got a hurt from which I was discharged against my will. I have proof of this from Col. Rearden.

I will now proceed to tell you my business in Springfield. Since I have been discharged I have assisted in getting a great many "Arms" from off of the Steam Boats at Cairo.

No longer than last Friday I assisted the U. S. Police & U. S. Marshall to search one Str T. L. Patton which we found a number of muskets and four Horses, that was from Pittsburgh Ldg Tennessee.

I also know of very near three Hundred muskets and have seen a great many more passing upon the Boats, which I could not take. yet I know they belong to the Government.

If I had of had authority I could of got some as I came up yesterday but I had none. I told them officers at Cairo that I was going to try and get such a job

I can give you References if you wish then and I also ask you if it is in

your power to give me authority to collect up all of the "Arms" that belongs to the Government. I will (and other property) such as Horses & Mules) do so to the best of my ability

I think I can do as well as any of them.

please answer as soon as you can make if convenient

Yours Truly

John A. Redman

John A. Redman

Shawneetown Apr 19

wants authority to collect Govt property.

answer

No authority--apply to Gen Halleck

wrote May 1

M