Jackson Grimshaw to Richard Yates

Springfield Ills. 19. April 1864

Governor: I have just seen dispatch of 14' inst. from War Dept. that our Negro Battalion has to go to Annapolis, that those who had raised them and wished commission might accompany the negroes to Annapolis & if they passed Gen. Caseys board they would be commissioned if not, others (Eastern men of course) would be appointed. This treatment is outrageous, Gov if these men were raised by those that I have with concurrence of Col Bross asked to be commissioned raised with the money of my friends & my own. If the battalion goes to Annapolis it will be a negro [illegible] with a Lt. Col. And one 2' Lieut. (who never raised a man but has Commissioned after passing Caseys board) You have a list furnished you by Mr. Hatch & agreed to by Col Bross insist that department shall permit you to select & they issue commissions to those selected by you or keep the men where they are

Yours truly

Jackson Grimshaw

Grimshaw Jackson. Springfield llls April 19. 1864.

[Treating?] on the appointment of officers for the Negro Battalion raised at Quincy. Ills.

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