Jesse Cantrell to Richard Yates

Memphis, Tenn.

August 3rd 1864

Gov. Rich'd Yates

State of Ill.

Sir:

I write to you to procure if possible your assistance in effecting my resignation for reasons I will now state. My own health is very poor, having had the small-pox badly and now suffering from Chronic Diarrhoea and have been for several months past. I am entirely unfit for active field service. My wife---some time about the 7th of Aug. last. was unfortunate enough to be severely gored by a cow. breaking her ribs, and otherwise injuring her to such an extent as to leave her in an exceeding ill state of health---ever since. I have a family of six children---the eldest but 12 years of age---and consequently but imperfectly provided for---and under these existing circumstances I wish you to assist me in resigning. I am not indebted to the U.S. for any Govt stores---of which I am accountable---except those which I am able to turn over to my Lieut. I also have a receipt from the 1st Auditor of the Treasury

of nonindebtedness, from accts in his office.

I have the honor to be Gov.

Very Respectfully

Your Obdt . Servt

Jesse Cantrell

Capt. Co. "D"---114' Ill. Vols.

Cantrell Jessie

Capt Co D 114th Ills.

Memphis Aug 3 1864.

Wishes Governor to assist him in getting Resignation accepted, He is in very poor health is not indebted to Government &c.

Aug 20, 64

Wrote for information

H

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