Richard Yates to Abraham Lincoln

Executive Department

Springfield Illinois

January 11, 1862

President Lincoln

Washington D.C.

The crisis of the war and national existence is upon us. The time has come for the adoption of more decisive measures. Greater animus and earnestness must be infused into our military movements. Blows must be struck at the vital parts of the rebellion. The government should employ every available means compatible with the rules of warfare, to subject the traitors. Summon to the standard of the republic all men willing to fight for the union. Let loyalty, and that alone, be the dividing line between the nation and it's foes. Generals should not be permitted to fritter away the sinews of our brave men in guarding the property of traitors, and in driving back into their hands loyal blacks, who offer us their labor & seek shelter beneath the Federal flag. Shall we sit supinely by and see the war sweep off the youth and strength of the land, and refuse aid from

that class of men, who are at least worthy foes of traitors and the murderers of our government and of our children?

Our armies should be directed to forage on the enemy, and to cease paying traitors & their abettors exorbitant exactions for feed needed by the sick or hungry soldier. Mild and conciliatory means have been tried in vain to recall the rebels to their allegiance. The conservative policy was utterly failed to reduce traitors to obedience and to restore the supremacy of the laws. They have by means of sweeping conscriptions, gathered in countless hordes, and threaten to beat back & overwhelm the armies of the union. With blood and treason in their hearts they flaunt the black flag of rebellion in the face of the Government, and threaten to butcher our loyal and brave army with foreign bayonets. They arm negroes and merciless savages in their behalf.

Mr Lincoln. The crisis demands

greater efforts and sterner measures Proclaim anew the good old motto of the Republic "Liberty and Union now and forever one and inseparable"; and accept the services of all loyal men, and it will be in your power to stamp armies out of the earth---irresistable armies that will bear our banners to certain victory. In any event Illinois, already alive with beat of drum and resounding with tread of new recruits, will respond to your call. Adopt this policy, and she will leap like a flaming giant into the fight.

This policy for the conduct of the war will render foreign intervention impossible, and the arms of the Republic invincible. It will bring the conflict to a speedy close and secure peace on a permanent basis.

Original of Gov's Dispatch to the President

Conduct of the War