Richard Yates to William Coffman

February 27th [186]4.

Col Wm Hoffman.

Commissary General of Prisoners.

Washington City-

Dear Sir:

Several weeks since I endorsed recommendation or petition to you asking your kind attention to the case of Wm. H. Tillson Co E 84th Regt Ills Vols. at that time held a prisoner at Richmond Va. I think the paper was presented by Hon OH Browning late Senator from this State, who was so fortunate as to find you situated to exchange a courtesy with Comr [Dald?] of the Confedrate service-and which you were kind enough to exercise in behalf of Mr. Tillson. I am informed an arrangment was concluded and that you had delivered a prisoner of war held by our Govt to the Confedt authorities but that Tillson has not yet been sent forward by

them-He arrived at Richmond on 30th Sept last and was confined in Little Libby Prison, afterwards transferred to Belle Isle and from there was sent, on 13th November last, to Danville Va and at that place confined in Prison No 1.-A cousin of his, Lieut Co.l CH Morton of 84th Ills, a prisoner in Richmond, writes, 29th January, that papers for Tillson's release had come to his notice but that Tillson' whereabouts was not known-

His father is an old friend of mine and one of our most worthy citizens and I would feel obliged if you will look after young Tillson and see that proper attention is taken to his case and his early release secured- Please write me the information you may obtain

Very Respectfully

Your Obdt Servt

Richd Yates

Governor of Illinois