R. J. Thomson to Richard Yates

Henderson Knox Co Ill

Jan'y 21st 1864

To His Excellency Gov. Yates;

Sir,

I write to learn if I could get authority to raise a company of men to be mounted and armed with the sixteen shooters - Rifles - a late invention of Connecticut manufature - and the sabre. I apprehend that men equipped in this way, acting with the rapidity of cavelry, would be as efficient as treble their number of Infantry. However this might be I beleive many would enlist in such a company that otherwise would not. Would not the efficiency of the sixteen shooters more than repay for their extra cost? Would they not be of good service against the guerillas?

I enlisted in the 42nd Regt Ill Vols after their formation at Chicago, in Augt/61. Went through their Mo campaign - When I was attacked with the fever and measles, and received my discharge in April/62. A short experience, yet as my health has been gradually

but surely verging toward its original standard I am now able and willing to try another campaign Governor Yates will you give me a chance at the infernal guerillas. They are an extra editions to Gods footstool and should be wiped out. And a company, if no more, equipped as above, acting under a cavelry or infantry colonel or Brigadier would certainly hurt some of them. If Your Excellency considers the above proposition in a favrible light, What would be the maximum and what the minimum number allowed for a company. Perhaps an application of this kind should be made in a different manner, but as I am not acquainted with the formalities in such cases, if any, I hope the will may be taken for the want of them. And whether the application be successful or not, I shall consider it better made than unmade.

your obdt Servt

R. J. Thomson

Thomas R J.

Henderson Knox Co

Jany 21st 1864.

Wishes authority to raise a Company of Mounted Riflemen.

Executive Office Jany 23 64

Col Loomis

Write him fully.