Thomas White to Richard Yates

Decatur Ills Apr 14th/64

Governor Yates

National Hotel

Washington

Respected Sir

according to promise I pen what I stated to you on the cars today, haveing been to St Louis to see some of my men that have been recently paroled after suffering the privations of Prison life on Bell Island since July last, are very much reduced and out of twenty only seven has been able to reach there, I tried to procure furlows for them but failed, as there was none granted, oweing to some difficulty growing out of some of them refuseing to work, some of which were in the Military Prison of St Louis almost

enqual to the one they had but recently released from, I dont pretend to say that they are all guiltless but it appears to me to be unjust that men that have alwais done their duty have to be punished as they do ther by the inobedience of a few, as they are there, the rule adopted in regards to furlow is five percent, and that to be drawn for by all, fair enough all things being equal, but in the company that my men are in, out of this drawn, by the time that their papers arived two was imprisoned so but one got to go, and the are back to camp to try their luck at next drawing the lot that my men are in arived ther the 31st march and as to them I can vouch for them being good soldiers and captured while on duty not put them selves in the way of

the Rebs for the sake of a parole as many have done, I ask therefore that you use your influence in behalf of those that are worthy, and I deem all worthy that have done their duty,

Hoping that you will give this your early attention, I remain

Yours most Respectfuly

Capt Thomas White

116th Ills. Inft. Vol.

Decatur

Ills.

File

White Thos Capt

Decatur Ills April 14 64.

Has some men of his company paroled prisoners at Saint Louis, they have been in prison since last July and have become very much reduced. Asks that they be furloughed for a few days until they can recover their health -

Ansd. Capt. White, Decatur and letter to Genl Rosecrans requesting furloughs for all paroled men from Richmond as fast as rules will permit &c

- Washington April 21 '64

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