Mrs. H. Capron to Edwin Stanton

Robin's Nest, Peoria Co. Ill

Aug 20th 1864

Hon. Ed. M. Stanton

Sec. of War.

Sir:

In June 1862 my son Horace Capron Jr. then sergeant of Co. G. 8th Ill Cav. was awarded a "gold medal of honor" for "personal gallantry on the field of battle" and for great bravery at Chickahominy and Ashland Approved by Major Gen. McClellan and Brig. Gen Pleasonton and "copy furnished the Gov of this state for his information by order of the Sec. of War" approved by Gov. Yates Oct 1862, and a copy forwarded to his Father Col.

Horace Capron, comdg 14th Ill. Cav. Since then Horace has been promoted to be 1st Lieut. Co. A. 14th Ill. Cav which he commanded at the time he was mortally wounded while leading on his men to a victory which he he won. He sleeps enshrouded in the flag he loved to defend. That medal, Sir, is very dear to me. I would possess it. I have sought for it vainly. Will you not aid me? I have given all I have for my country. I am alone. My Husband Col. Horace Capron comdg. a brigade under Gen. Stoneman, and our youngest boy, have miraculously escaped death while attempting to release our suffering officers and men from Macon

prison. The other son Lieut. Albert B. Capron is, I fear, a prisoner. Permit me while addressing you to implore that our prisoners may be exchanged as soon as possible. I am told those at Macon are almost maniacs from their sufferings. While the rebels are constantly allowed to receive nice things at Camp Douglas.

Excuse me, for trespassing this long on your very valuable time. I have sacrificed all on the altar of country, and feel deeply. Pray excuse me.

Very respectfully,

Mrs. Col. H. Capron

Respectfully returned to the Secretary of War with report from Genl Meade

W. A. Nichols

Asst Adjt General

A G Office

Oct 20 1864

W. A. Nichols

Adjt.

Oct. 10 64

Head Quarters Army of the Potomac

Oct 18 1864

Respectfully returned. The records of this army do not afford any information respecting the gold medal said to have been awarded in June 1862 to Sergeant Horace Capron Co. G 8th Illinois Cavalry.

On the 28th of August 1862 Maj. D. R. Clendenin then commanding the 8th Illinois Cavalry, sent in a list of the names of enlisted men of his command who had distinguished themselves which was approved and forwarded to the Adjutant General Sept 7 1862. It cannot now be stated whether Sergeant Capron's name was on the list.

Geo. G. Meade

Maj. Genl Comdg.

Robin's Nest, Eporia Co. Ill

3d October 1864

Mrs. H. Capron

Enquires concerning gold medal which she says was awarded by Commanding General Army of the Potomac in summer of 1862, to Horace Capron Jr. Sergeant Co. G. 8th Ill Cav.

Adjt Genl to comdg Genl army of Potomac rec'd Cot 20 64

Respectfully referred to the Commanding General, Army of the Potomac for report. By order of the Secretary of War

Jas A. Hardie

War Dept Col Inspr Gen.

6th Oct 64

War Department

Oct 22 1864

This communication is respectfully referred to the Adjutant General of the State of Illinois with the request that it be returned with any information touching the subject alluded to within, that hte records of his office may be able to furnish.

By order of the Secretary of War

Jas. A. Hardie

Colonel Inspector General USA.