Enoch Howard to Richard Oglesby

Office Locl Spe Agt Try Dept

Pine Bluff Ark

December 17" 1864

To

His Excellency Richd J. Oglesby

Governor of Illinois

Sir

Having been applied to for information in relation to the sending of Negroes into Illinois: I beg leave to trouble you for a reply in the case.

A Planter who resides Thirty Miles East of this Town (in this State) wishes to leave his home and remove with Ten or Twelve Negroes to Lacon in Illinois. The Negroes formerly belonged to said Planter: but are now free.

The object of taking these Negroes north is to provide for them: either a home or employment The Planter applying has taken the oath of allegiance and is said to be loyal.

As I am a citizen of Illinois,

parties apply to me: and I do not wish to decide unless I am sure that I am right. and I know that there was a very bad law, in our State, in relation to these poor black people.

Hoping to hear from you soon.

I remain

Your Obt Servt

Enoch Howard

Local Spe Agt Try Dept

Howard, Enoch

Pine Bluff. Dec. 27/64

Wants information on Black Laws.