Simon Hirshbach to E. C. Henshaw

July 22d [186]4.

Mrs. E. C. Henshaw

Ottawa Ills.

Madam. I am directed by His Excellency Governor Yates to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 5th Inst. which came during his absence from the city and bearing the appearance of private correspondence was not opened until his return -- The former communication was received in which it only seemed necessary for the Captain to have the privelege of answering the malicious charges and the Governor wrote to Maj General Schofield on the 17th of May substantially as follows:

"State of Illinois

Executive Department

Springfield Ills May 17th 1864

("Personal")

Maj General Jas M Schofield.

Comdg Dept. &c.

Knoxville Tennessee.

General:

I desire specially to call your attention to some proceedings which may be - or perhaps have been instituted against an Illinois Officer and friend of mine. - Capt Edward C. Henshaw of "Henshaws Battery" Ills Vols.

He was perhaps very unfortunate in the selection of officers of his battery and they have given him much trouble and I understand have made charges against him - perhaps charging him with "absence without leave" or something of that character

He raised this battery and I have great confidence in his skill as an officer and his integrity at home is undoubted, and will bear the closest scrutiny. His wife Mrs Sarah Henshaw of Ottawa Ills. is one of the most intelligent and patriotic ladies our fair state can boast. - She was one of the originators of the Great North Western Fair at Chicago and which, for its success we are in a great measure indebted. She is of Revolutionary Ancestry (who were distinguished in that struggle) and a women of remarkable energy which she devotes almost exclusively to the benefit of the sick and wounded of our Armies. I will feel particularly obliged if you will take personal notice of the Captains case and write me. I believe he only requires an opportunity to vindicate himself triumphantly.

Yours truly

(signed) Richd Yates

Governor"

Attending to your last letter the Governor sent the following telegram to "Brigr Genl.

"Jacob Ammen, Head Qrs. 4th Divn 23rd A.C. Knoxville Tenn"

" I believe that Capt Edward C Hinshaw of

" Hinshaw's Battery Ills Vols" has been grossly

" slandered and mistreated in the charges and

" trial by court martial. I would respectfully

" ask you to carefully investigate the whole

" proceedings before deciding upon finding of the

" Court and telegraph or write me the facts."

"Richd Yates"

" Governor"

From the representations of the men & the emphatic language of their petition His Excellency was lead to believe that the Capt would have but little trouble and I was careless not to have sent you answer to yr first letter enclosing the petition) and inform you of what the Governor had requested of General Schofield, thinking you would get favorable news soon direct from Capt H. General Ammen was for a time on duty at this City and entertains friendly regard for Governor Yates and will doubtless send all necessary information and the Governor will do anything further that he can possibly to have justice done the Captain whose warm friend he has ever been. His Excellency directs me to express his sincere, warm sympathy for you in the great afflictions which have befallen your hearthstone and to assure you of his active & practical assistance wherever & whenever they can be employed in your behalf

I have the honor to be Madam.

Most Respectfully

Yr Obt Servt John Loomis

Col & ADC