Richard Yates to Edwin M. Stanton

June 18th [186]4.

Hon E. M. Stanton.

Secretary of War.

Washington D.C

Sir: I am sure I have no disposition to complain, and least of all of you, whom I have generally found prompt to do everything in your power, but I am in trouble, the State is in trouble, and the Country will be in trouble resulting there from. From the opposition of the Democratic press, as well as from the great demand for labor & high wages &c &c we have raised only thirteen regiments of one hundred day men, and that after the hardest work

I ever did. Well, these regiments are all ordered away; the five regiments I expected to have for state defense are ordered away and the loyal strength of the State much weakened, while on the other hand we have a bold and defiant enemy in our midst, ready at the first pretext to rise in arms and put down the Government.

In view of these facts will you not send me arms, as have been sent to other States? The 10,000 you ordered to be sent me were by subsequent order put into the hands of the hundred day men.

Also, will you not send Brigadier General Julius White or some other proper

man to have command of all US troops or other forces, with whom I can consult and who will have authority and courage to act in case of emergency

I have from the start aimed to act with prudence and shall continue to do so.

I deem it necessary to say that if these recommendations of mine are disregarded, the responsibilities are not with me.

Very Respectfully

Richd Yates

Governor