Julius White to Richard Yates

Washington June 19th 1864

Sir

I have the honor to state that in accordance with your request I called upon the President yesterday, in company with Mr Arnold and Mr Levett, and represented to him your views, as expressed to me, regarding affairs in our State-

The President does not appear to apprehend any serious disturbances north of the Ohio, but admits that situated as you are, with no official Militia law, and with no troops stationed within the State, except such as are guarding prisoners, the State authorities would be in an embarrassing situation if any considerable uprising of Copperheads should occur, and directed me to say to your Excellency, that any measure you should think proper to submit in a definite form, should receive consideration -

As I was not authorized to do so, I did not attempt to propose any thing, but said that there were two things requisite to secure the State against such outbreaks - One was troops, and the other a Military Commander having jurisdiction coextensive with the State, and who could be called upon at all times when necessary by the Governor - That you had neither one nor the others at present.

I respectfully suggest whether it would not be well to ask authority to raise troops, to such numbers as you may deem necessary, for service within the State and not elsewhere, for six months, covering a period beyond the Presidential election - If that may be passed without disturbance, I believe there will be no danger thereafter -

Without troops, the Military Commander would be useless.

I have the honor to be

Very Respectfully

Your Obt Servt

Julius White

His Excy. Richd Yates

Governor of Illinois

White J Brig Genl.

Washington June 19 64.

He called upon President and states Governors views in regard to condition of Ills &c -

Letter to Mr Lincoln asking for arms and authority for 3 or 4 regts for 6 or 9 month service Also wrote enclosing letter to Hon Bernard Scott asking him to call with Genl White & Mr Arnold on Presdt & present the letter June 24th 1864

Loomis A D C

Make application as suggested. Say for 3 Regts one in North one in Centre & one in Southern part of state