John Lynch to A. Kitchell

Head Quarters Co. E. 6th Ills. Cav.

LaGrange Tenn. Feb. 15, 1863.

A. Kitchell,

Dear Sir.

I have for some time been indulging myself, with the wish to try the experiment of rais a Regment of Negros, and drill them for the service.

This with many at home. I know would be a vary unpoplar undertaking.

But at the first braking out of this rebelian. I started out to do all that was in my power to put it down.

And I now am prepared to use every means. that will kill a trator.

It is now almost one year since I came into the Slave States, and have been imployed the greater part of the time in Scouting. which has thrown me in constant communication with the Negros. And I have been induced to believe that they can be made avalible as Solders. I think that it is the true policy for the government to use every means that it can

to protect the lives of its white citizens. and the Government will be weakened less by the loss of three negros than it would be by the loss of one white man. This is my opinion it my be erronious.

My health has become such that I fear that I will not be able to withstand the hardships of the Cavlery Service much longer. Is one reson for my wishing to make this change of Sirvice. And an other I think that I can do more good by organising a thousand ineffective men and making them usefull Solders than I can by commanding an old and well drilled company.

To enable me to set about this enterprise I must have an order from the war department. And this will have to be obtained through some influencial friend. You know that all of my friends are opposed to the Negros being brought into the service.

The assistance of Gov. Yates would be of great adventige. If you will lend me what assistance you can I will try to do my duty. is all the

promice that I will make least I should break it.

Yours

John Lynch, Capt.

Cam. Co. E. 6th Redgt. Ills. Cav.