T. L. Rodgers to Richard Yates

Pittsburgh Ap 19th 1861

To the

Governor of the State of Illinois

Sir

Though personally an entire stranger to you I am not to your patriotic course in the present crisis

I would take the liberty of offering the following suggestions and in doing so only express the earnest desires of a great many of our patriotic citizens. viz - As soon as possible put from 1000 to 5000 men at Cairo - the most important port on the Mississippi and as secretly as possible - the secessionists have designs on it I have reason to beleive. Let them fortify it thoroughly and make it the basis of operations for the South west.

Secondly - If not done already open recruiting offices immediately at Alton Ill and Belleville or Illinoistown opposite St. Louis for the accommodating of the volunteers of St. Louis (of whom there will be many) Alton would be a fine point as it is clearly opposite the mouth of the Missouri river and is connected by rail with all points in your state. If

the traitorous governor of Missouri and his legislature should precipitate that state into the Secession Movement Alton would be a very important point It is only 22 miles above St. Louis and I think a battery there commands the mouth of the Missouri river.

You may have anticipated me in these ideas but I offer them respectfully and with a sincere desire for the benefit of our country.

If your many duties permit I should be pleased to have a note from you acknowledging the receipt of this letter

I remain

Yours Truly

T L Rodgers

Box 1380 Pittsburgh

Pa

T. L. Rodgers

occupation of Cairo & other matters

T. L. Rodgers

answered