Richard Ritter to Richard Yates

Memphis Tenn July 28th 1863

Hon Richard Yates

Govenor

Dear Sir

On the 10th inst I wrote Wm G. Greene Esq requesting him to assist me in obtaing authority to raise and organize a Regiment of "Mounted Rifflemen", I have just received a letter from him saying that he had addressed a letter to you on the subject enclosing my letter to him. You will understand from my letter to Mr Greene what I desire and what my plans are and I feel fully assured that you will at once comprehend the importance and necesity of Such Troops. This class of Troops combine all the advantages of both Cavalry and Infantry being very effective and capable of performing very rappid marches which is indeed one of the most important considerations in all Military movements. I should like to have a Battery of light Howiters attached to the Regiment for which purpose I should desire to raise a company of Artillery in addition

to the Regt.

If you should deem my proposition practicable and you give the matter a favorable consideration I should desire to have the following officers Non commifsioned officers and Privates from the 28 Regt Ills vols Infty to assist me in raising and organizing the Regiment and then to be commissioned as officers of the Regiment to wit:

Capt G. L. Farwell Co "D"

" E. P. Durell " "H"

1st Lieut Wm W. Noonan " "A"

2d " W. H. Harris " "A"

1st Sergt James M. Gale " "C"

" Thomas J. Metzler " "C"

1st " Dennis Pride " "K"

" J. M. Hunter " "K"

" Joseph M. Smith " "A"

Q.M. Sergt. Richd Lawrence

Private Nult Greene Co. "K"

" Henry Samuel Stokes " "A"

" William C. Hall " "A"

Musicians Thos Bush " "C"

" Isaac Pecar " "E"

The two Musicians I do not want as officers but only want them to assist in learning a band for me, they can be spared from their Regt without the least inconvenience as the Rgt has 20 Musicians and only about 300 men. The above named officers and Soldiers are all worthy and capable and will do credit and honor to their country in any position in which they might be placed.

I Shall be pleased to hear from your Excellency in regard to this matter at as early a day as posible.

I have the honor to be Sir very respectfully

Your obt Servant

Richd Ritter Lieut Col

28 Regt Ills vols Infty

Ansd Aug 13-63-

Ritter Richd

Memphis July 28 1863

Some time ago he wrote to Wm G Green requesting his assistance in obtaining authority to raise a Regt of Mounted Rifflemen - hopes the Governor will favorably consider this matter &c

Recd Ex O 5th Augst 1863