Jackson Grimshaw and others to Richard Yates

Quincy Illinois 1 July 1864

To His Excellency Richard Yates Governor of Illinois Springfield Illinois

Sir Our towns-man and friend George W. Burns late Paymaster U. S. Volunteers, but who had resigned last Spring is in confinement in Texas, we suppose at Fort Tyler west of Shrevesport Texas. He was a passenger in the transport Emma which came in rather started down Red River with 13' army corps loaded with civilians and was captured under following circumstances extracted from a letter from one of the crew of the Emma to Mrs Burns. He says “The Emma left Alexandria for New Orleans on the morning of May 1st 1864, about thirty miles below we were attacked by the rebels and Captured, our boat burnt and we (crew & passengers) all started off for Texas arriving at

Tyler where the prisoners are kept, we had a pretty rough time, on the way out but were in good health and we all got along pretty well, none of our party were injured in any way. There are about 5000 prisoners there. X X X X When I left on 28' May I did not know that I was to be released. I was ordered to Shreveport tho head quarters of Gen Kirby Smith & then was informed that I was released in return for some citizens that Gen. Steele had released, he informed me that he held the folks captured on the Emma and three other boats because Gen. Steele and Banks had arrested and carried off citizens when they retreated from Alexandria and Camden, I think if you could get Gov. Yates of your state to write to Genls Steels and Canby and represent to them that these persons are not held as prisoners of war but only as hostages for citizens that Kirby Smith says

they hold, that they would be released in a very short time.” The letter from which the above is extracted is dated 24 June 1864.

We most respectfully ask of you officially to communicate as soon as it can be done, with the War Department, General Canby at New Orleans and General Steele at Little Rock and endeavour to procure Burns release. He is a civilian and we think you intervention will bring it about.

Yours Very Respectfully

Jackson Grimshaw

Newton Flagg

Jas J Langdon

Henry Asbury.

Grimshaw Jackson Flagg & others -

Quincy July 1st 1864.

George W Burns of Quincy was captured by rebs up Red river, - was with 13th Army Corps – Wishes Governor to have him released --

ansd

July 6th 64

Wrote Genl Canby for release of Maj. Burns & informed Grimshaw Flagg & others Hirschbach

Prepare proper letter strong & inform writers