Levi Mills to Richard Yates

Morris, Grundy Co. Ills.

Aug. 20th, 1864.

Hon. Richard Yates,

Governor of the State of Illinois:

Dear Sir:

At the last meeting of our "Union League," the undersigned were appointed a Committee to correspond with your Honor, and ascertain if Government Fire arms could be procured, through you, to arm the members of our League in this County, that they may be placed on a "War footing," and be in readiness and prepared to contribute their might and strenghth in supporting and enforcing the laws and sustaining the Government, if their services be required, in crushing out this unholy rebellion.

If arms can be procured

what steps do our League want to take to procure them, and what kind of arms would be furnished them? Are Union Leagues generally throughout our State, arming themselves or being armed? There are but few arms among Union men in our County, and they are illy prepared to battle for freedom or to assist in enforcing the laws, if they should be called on for that purpose, and they feel that in these truly perilous times, it is not only their duty but their desire to do all in their power in sustaining the Government until every rebel succumbs and returns to his allegiance or is wiped from off the face of God's earth.

Any advice or information your Honor sees fit to give us will be gratefully received, and acted upon with willing hearts and determined wills.

Respectfully yours,

Levi Mills

W. T. Hopkins

S. P. Lott

S. B. Thomas

Write to them that I have refd to Gen. Payne & what he says.

Aug 23. '64.

The recommendation of His Excellency the Governor will be promptly complied with.

Very Respectfully

[initial?] E. Paine

Aug 23. 1864

Gen. Payne.

These are most prominent & loyal men and arms in their hands would be safe & also convenient for use. I would recommend that you correspond with them and that upon their forming a Company you will furnish them arms.

Please endorse hereon your reply as I wish to answer them.

Truly Yours

Richd. Yates

Mills, Levi et al

Morris Ill Aug 20 64

Desires arms for [their?] USA. and will organize to defend themselves.

Informed

File.

Referred to Gen Paine & retd

H

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