Charles H. Ray to Richard Yates

Dr. C H Ray,

Chicago Ills.

Office of the Tribune,

Chicago, Apr 16th 1861.

Answered 20th

My Dear Sir,

We have had some talk here to-day among men of all parties in relation to the necessity for the immediate occupation of Cairo by the forces of the State of Illinois, to keep it out of the hands of the traitors. It is the most important military position in the West. Look in the map: It extends further into the Slave States than any other point in the North. It commands the

commerce of the upper Mississippi and of the Ohio, and through the latter of all the rivers upon which the commerce of Kentucky depends. The levee is a fortification in itself; and 500 men there, in among that population, can play the devil if they are hostile. Let them arm the bridges on the Ills. Cent. for 40 miles up, and an army and the expenditure of half a million of dollars would hardly dislodge them. You get the importance of hold-

ing the place. Kentucky will go out, Louisville even now is full of organized secessionists and I shall not be surprised any day to hear that they have Cairo in their keeping.

Now for the means You can have a company from Chicago--probably the artillery. You could send one from Springfield, probably one from Alton; there is one ready at Neoga (Cumberland Co.) and others are at your service in a days notice. You

got guns enough, including eight [pieces?] of artillery under your hand.

Let me beg you to give this matter your earnest attention you may be sure that you will not be an hour too soon, no matter how expeditiously you move.

Yours for the Cause,

C.H. Ray

Hon Rich'd Yates

Governor &c