"Sir. The Subject and policy of Black Troops have become of much interest in our Country, and the effective means and method of raising them, is a matter of much importance.
"In consideration of this Sir, I embrace the earliest opportunity of asking the privilege of calling the attention of your Department to the fact, that as a policy in perfect harmony with the course of the President and your own enlightened views, that the Agency of intelligent competent black men adapted to the work must be the most effective means of obtaining Black Troops; because knowing and being of that people as a race, they can command such influence as is required to accomplish the object.
"I have been successfully engaged as a Recruting Agent of Black Troops, first as a Recruiting Agent for Massachusetts 54th Regt. and from the commencement as the Managing Agent in the West and Southwest for Rhode Island heavy Artillery, which is now nearly full; and now have the Contract from the State Authorities of Connecticut, for the entire West and South West in raising Colored Troops to fill her quota.
John Jones
"During these engagements, I have had associated with me, Mr. John Jones, a very respectable and responsible colored business man of this city, and we have associated ourselves permanently together, in an Agency for raising Black Troops for all parts of the Country.
"We are able, sir, to command all of the effective black men as Agents in the United States, and in the event of an order from your Department giving us the Authority to recruit Colored Troops in any of the Southern or seceded states, we will be ready and able to raise a Regiment, or Brigade if required in a shorter time than can be otherwise effected.
"With the belief, sir, that this is one of the measures in which the claims of the Black Man may be officially recognized, without seemingly infringing upon those of other citizens, I confidently ask, sir, that this humble request, may engage your early notice. All satisfactory References will be given by both of us.
"I have the honor to be sir, Your most obediant Very humble, servant."
To Secretary of War under President Lincoln Edwin M. Stanton, December 15, 1863
