A. W. Tupper to Richard Yates

Head Quarter 116th Reg Ill Vols

Camp Macon Oct 16th 1862

Hon Richard Yates

Gov Ill

Dear Sir

The 116th Reg Ill Vols have been supplied with the Austrain Rifle Musket which are of Such inferior workmanship that not one half of them will discharge at the first Trial. This results in a want of Confidence by all or nearly all of those Connected with the Regiment in the efficincy in the arm with which we have been furnished.

Your Excelency will at once see that any Regiment however Brave or well drilled cannot be relied upon when sent into the field with weapons in which they have no confidence.

For the good Reputation of Illinois Volunteers heretofore won upon the many Battlefields fought by them, and that of the 116th Reg which I have the Honor to Command, I hope and trust that the arms we have may be Exchanged for those that will Enable us hereafter as heretofore to vindicate the high position in the field which Illinoisians have so successfully achieved

in the present Struggle for our national perpetuity

Hoping that your Excellency do All in your power for the accomplishment of the object herein Indicated.

I have the honor to be

Most Respectfully

Your Obt Servt

N. W. Tupper

Col 116th Reg Ill Vols

116th Regt

Col N. W. Tupper

Camp Macon

Oct 16/62

Condition of arms in his Regt.

Ansd

Copy what I wrote to Col Fox and others as to Arms