George Russell to Richard Yates

Springfield Ill's Dec 31st 1863

Gov. Richd Yates

Springfield Ill's

Dear Sir

The writer having recently effected his escape from the Rebel lines with a view to contributing his efforts toward the solution of the terrible contest now waging in our Country, finds that he cannot be recieved into the U.S. service as a recruit in consequence of the scars of some blisters applied some months since during an attack Pneumonia.

He feels confident that he would be able to endure the exposure of a life in camp as well as most men.

This, therefore, is to bespeak your aid in getting him into the army in some capacity, and the reasons with which he would back his suit

are:- that he has left his family in Georgia, with the hope of fighting for their deliverance. He has abandoned all his property, amounting to little more than $20,000 and the Rebel confiscation has been applied to him are this - probably - Gen'l Grant refuses to admit civillians within his lines, and, unless the writer may get some position in that Army the prospect is that, owing to his inability to be on the ground when our Army moves from Chattanooga, his family may suffer privations and Rebel persecution which might be prevented were he at hand to deliver and remove them when the opportunity presents.

Another great incentive is that I may be able to assist my Union friends in Whitfield, Gordon, Murray Caloosa and Walker Counties, Geo. in establishing their loyalty, for I believe there is no man in that section who

is so well acquainted with the Union men as myself. I am willing to dispense with Bounty, take a privates position and do anything or everything that his within the duty of a Soldier. I wish you to understand that I am not "beging for a commission," notwithstanding the preference one naturally would have for a positive involving least hardship and exposure. If you cannot assist me in getting into the Army I have to request that you will recommend me to Gen'l Grant for some office work at Chattanooga in some one of the departments.

I was raised in Cayuga Co N.Y. Moved to Ill's in /58 residing at West Urbana Champaign Co untill the spring of 1860 when I moved to Dalton, Georgia, where I have lived true to my Country, suffering arrest, imprisonment and persecution by the mob until Genl Burnside's advance into East Tenn. when

I was relieved. In case you are disposed to assist me, I can furnish recommendations from any person you may designate in Champaign Co or in Cayuga Co N.Y.

I have been trying to see and converse with you for two days past but as my friends are getting low I have taken this method of introducing this subject. Hoping your Excellency may be able to do something for me I am very Respectfully

Your Obt. Servt,

Geo. Russell

P.S.

A line dropped in the P.O. care of Mrs. E. Kreigh will reach me.

Russell G

Springfield Dec 31 63

Has lately effected his escape from the rebel lines - cannot enter the service as a private, his family are now near Chattanooga, wishes the Governor to assist him to obtain some position in the Army.

Col L.

Better drop a line to come & see you at Office

Letter to Mr Russell requesting him to call at office. Jan 12/64

Loomis

Recd Ex Office Jany 5 64

State of Illinois

Executive Department.

Springfield 186