E. R. Williams to Richard Yates

Chicago Feb the 9th 1863

To his excelency

Richard Yats, governor of the state of illi,

It is with exceeding great pleasure that I address you with a few Lines to inform you, that the colored people of Chicago and Cook County Have grate confidence in our governor in the cause of humanity, and his patriotism in sustaining the administration in Putting down this Rebellion, as you Will remember, When the call was made for [95?] thousand men, we then tender our service to put down this rebellion And yet are we have the unfaltering loyalty to the federal government, and we see that the federal Congress is about to past a Bill to Rase 3 hunderd thousand colored solders, if this Bill should past, sir i Whould like for you to give me the privilge of rasing a company in Chicago

We feel that the tim has come when the government should have the support, and coopperation upon the [Postall?] person, and every discription Person, to contribute at all times to His country, welfare, and especially in A moment lik the present, when every thing we hold dear is so seriously threatened, and as I have determined to rase a company if you will grant me that privileg, for the perpose of sustaining the government,

I have the honor to submit the following for your consideration,

Respectfully yours

E. R. Williams

E. R. Williams

Chicago.

Enclose a carte d visite to the Gov. and says if the call is made for colored soldiers wishes the privilege of raising a company to help put down the rebellion.