George R. Clark to Richard Yates

Head Quarters 113th Ill. Vol. Infty. Memphis Tenn Feby. 23rd 1865

Hon. Rich'd Yates U.S. Senator Washington D.C.

Sir, I see by the papers that the President has called together the Senate, to confirm his appointments & advise in regard to his new cabinet I suppose. Allow me the privilege of naming a few things which as a citizen of Illinois and a Soldier of the Union I feel a deep interest in, viz: Canada under foreign rule is (and will in future be more so) a great barrier in the natural outlet between the Great West and the Atlantic & between our farmers and our market: and as such stands in the way of our national prosperity. We must have Canada either by fighting or by diplomacy. Please keep that in view when you confirm a Secretary of State. If Mr. Seward is smart enough to secure by diplomacy or in case of failure in that, brave enough to fight for it, he is the man for the West and for the

place. If not some one else should be placed there. Again, the Army of Freedom & of the Union, are not going to rest content with merely putting down this rebellion and in extirpating slavery. The question of races must also have a sure foundation for a peaceful solution as between us and the blacks. And for that reason we must have a place easily & cheaply accessable for African Colonization in future years should we find that the best interests (which some now think) of both races will demand by vote, their separation from each other. Mexico offers to us such a place having all the requisites viz ease of access, proper climate, soil & productions, and greater than all a homoginious race to the African or negro. Besides, our National honor and credit abroad demand of us that we should send Mr. Maxmillian out of that country with a huge flea in his ear, just as soon as we get our present job off our

hands. We will have to do this by fighting and so we want the proper man for Sec of War.

Our disiplined colored soldiers aided by a few thousand white troops and our navy would do that in our campaign and thus the Mexicans having been saved from French and Austrian despotism, would welcome to her soil the wives & sisters &c of the soldiers of the Army who had done the job. And we should have a natural and easy solution to the question of races. The blacks would go willingly, where they could enjoy the greatest freedom & equality should the future prove it to be for their interest so to do.

Pardon me Governor for this lengthy letter, but debarred as I have been for these past years from mingling in civil life with my political friends, I have no other way of expressing my views except to my friends in a limited correspondence. But all this subject I

trust has already been thoroughly canvassed in your own mind. Hoping that the councils of your honorable body with the President may be the [news?] of giving us sound & brave advisors in the Cabinet of our revered & worthy chief Magistrate

In am Senator Very Respectfully Your Obt. Svnt. Geo. R. Clark

George R. Clark Chicago 11eth Ills Memphis Feb 1865.

On Canada Races, Colonization &c