Richard Yates to Edwin Stanton

Springfield Ills Oct 10 1863.

Hon E M Stanton

Secty of War

Sir

Representing the State government and loyal Union men of Illinois, we desire urgently to call your attention to the importance and necessity of being supplied with arms and accoutrements with which to enable loyal military organizations to protect social order and to aid the State and National Government in inforcing such laws and regulations as are necessary for to preserve public tranquility and maintain the armies of the Government in the field.

It cannot be too strongly impressed upon the National Administration that combinations have been forming and well digested plans matured by the enemies of the Government in Illinois looking to open actual rebellion against the measures and constituted authorities of the Government---State and National. The presence of

implements of War in the hands of loyal Military Organizations under the control of the State Authorities will tend to discourage and intimidate bands of disloyalists---now armed and drilling---and to restore the confidence not felt by the loyal people of the State because of the absence of disposition or ability heretofore manifested by the War Department to send arms to Illinois. While Indiana and Ohio have received an abundant supply

There is herewith transmitted a resolution adopted by the State Executive Committee of the Union League of America for Illinois, by which it may be inferred that the dangers which menace the State are receiving the active attention of the people, and that they demand action of the only legitimate source from which it can be expected

In accordance with said resolution it is respectfully requested that authority issue and that the Government provide for the organization and employment within the State, of four regiments of Infantry and one of Cavalry for three years unless sooner discharged.

It is however submitted that the organization is not

deemed absolutely necessary, if the loyal Militia organizations can be supplied with arms &c. The hesitation heretofore manifested by the Government to arm Militia Organizations is the reason for requesting the employment of Government troops. We wish you may find it practicable to send arms immediately. Very Respectfully

Rich. Yates

(signed)

Geo. H. Harlow

P.S. Oct 14th 1863

Since writing the above the undersigned members of the State Executive Committee of the USA in Illinois and representing the feelings of one hundred and twenty five thousand members of the League and those of all the loyal men in Illinois, have ascertained that 10,000 arms have been secured by His Excellency Governor Yates whose efforts in that behalf with the Department for months past have met the hearty concurrance of all the loyal people of this State. We are thankful for the action taken by the Department, but insist that 10000 stand of arms are insufficient to accomplish the purposes actually required to stay the tide of evil which treason openly proclaimed is spreading through

the State.

The disturbed condition of Missouri and the excitement attended upon the fall elections in other Western States embarrasses and seriously effects Illinois---and we firmly believe that an organization of the entire reliable Militia force of the State is absolutely imperative. If the Government wish more men from Illinois, (and no man beyond the limits of Washington doubts but that she will have yet to supply thousands,) would not an organized and drilled Militia force be of infinite advantage! Without Militia drilled and organized You will find the North Western States when you call for reinforcement---in a state of civil strife

Very Respectfully

Gov Yates 1863 To E M Stanton secy of War

Urgently requests the Secy to send arms for the loyal Militia of Illinois or Else authorize 3 Regiments to be raised for Service in the State--- Infantry and 1 of Cavalry---Thinks these would not sufficient to insure against the outbreaks threatened by traitors within the State acknowledges the receipt of 10000 stand of arms and says more will be needed---suggests the advantage to the Genl Government of having the Militia armed and drilled.