Christian Frank to Richard Yates

brother was in the 3 months service in Missouri and then in the 10th Ills Inf but he got sick and was discharged in the summer of 1862 and the other one enlisted in the 32 Ind Regt. his time is out now also enlisted my Brother in law in the 79 Ills Infantry. I the winter from 61-62 they made a company up for the 62 Ills Inf and Wilson the 2 Lieutenant came to me and told me I would get 66 Dollars backpay if I would enlist I would not have to stay any longer then six months and we would never leave the state my mother told me I should not go but he came daily till I went and so I got to be a soldier as a boy 15 years old. When we came to Camp Dubois Captain Overmire would not have me for a soldier but took me for his waiter I was never examined by the Doktor or musterd in like the rest but still he put my Name down

in the book and I drew my pay like a private soldier. I never had a musket I only stood guard one night in other mans place and I got the ague right away after that and had it as long as I was with the regiment On the 20 Dez. 62 I was taken prisoner at Holly Springs and was send to St Louis where I had the Lung fever once and once the measles that made me sick of the soldier life I left St Louis the 13 of April 63.

It was not cowardice what made me desert but because I was sick all the time there was a young man 20 years of age in our Company at St Louis and he paid 50 Dollars and got free but they did not care anything for the dutchman whether he died or not! I can swear to all I said, that I went against my mothers will (and so forth) my Captains put me down as 18 years old but

the fact is he never asked me how old I was and if you write to the regiment you will be told the same and I can swear to it that I did not understand one word what was said when I was sworn in. Now do give me free so I can go and see my relations and mother again it was only a youthfull fault and I do not think I ought to be punished for it all my life time for God Knows I did not Know where to go to when I enlisted. Once more I ask you to give me my discharge and receive the blessings of a mother so that she can say also:, My son was dead and is alive again he was dead and is found.

Your humble Servant

Christian Frank

A letter adressed to

Christian Frank Leroy Genesse Co New York will reach me

Frank. Christian

Lervy, N.Y. Sept 15th 1864

Says that he enlisted when he was 15 yrs old. without his Mothers Consent. and was deceived by the recruiting officers. &c, Wants discharge

Ansd Sept 20th. 64

No Appl. made

P.

Applicas

Apps For Discharge. &c

Apps.