Israel Washburn, Jr. to Richard Yates

State of Maine.

Executive Department

Augusta, May 13, 1861

Sir

I would be obliged to you if you will inform me whether your State is raising more Regiments or Companies than have been called for by the President under the requisition and call of April & May, and if so how many, and what you propose to do with them

It seems to me that prudence and a wise forecast dictate that troops should be raised and put under discipline & instruction in all the loyal States, ready to march at a moments notice -

If you are raising troops to be kept in reserve & under instruction, what are you doing in the way of uniforming and equiping them?

How many of your Regiments have already been accepted by the U.S.? An early answer will greatly oblige

Very truly your

Obt Sevt

His Excellency

Govr Yates

Springfield

Ills

Gov Washburns Letter

ans'd