William Prescott to Richard Yates

Camp Ford Tyler Texas

Sep 28 1864

Dear Governor

I hope you will pardon the liberty I take in addressing you. Indeed I feel assured you will do so as you take into consideration the circumstances under which I write. You are doubtless aware of the conditions of our Regt that we are prisoners of war for at least the greater portion of it and that we have been prisoners nearly six months. But you are not aware - I venture to say of our condition as prisoners nor shall I attempt to describe it to you.

You may imagine the very worst possible condition of prisoners in our own country and yet not appreciate our situation here. And to say truth we feel somewhat grived - we are at a loss to know why we are allowed to remain here longer. we seem to be overlooked. We are willing to allow this charitable construction upon it. But when we know that although prisoners as we are

we [illegible] we have not disgraced ourselves our State nor the Govt.- that we were not stragglers nor disobeying orders-but that we were taken fighting "hand to hand" (as it were-in a body-we cannot but feel aggrieved especially as other prisoners (from other states) captured long since ourselves and in such numbers and under such circumstances as not to be able (we think) to render our Govt more service (at least, than we could if exchanged - still every "Illinoisian" is "passed" and others taken out and exchanged as I have before stated. There are now here about 500 - 77th Ills 130th & Mercantile Batty prisoners from our state - & have claims for exchange upon the [grounds?] of priority being the oldest prisoners (Soldiers) here. Have we no friends at home" or have we so conducted ourselves as not to deserve their notice" Can you do nothing for us-(we are aware that that you have not control of the matter) but still we look to you (as we have done before) (& not in vain) for your aid and influence in our present terrible situation

I am happy to inform you however that the mortality among the Illinois troops here has been very slight. In our Regt none have died of disease & only one from any cause. One "Private" Killed by a sentry - the 77th have lost two men by disease - & this when the mortality of the whole number of prisoners here is about 1 & 1/3 per cent per month-I am also happy to tell you that although some clad in the garb of the U.S. soldiers have proved themselves unworthy the uniform the wear & have shown themselves traitors by taking an oath of allegiance to the Rebel Govt. Others cringe & fawn about the Rebel officers to secure a little better fare or some little favor - But how proud I am to tell to you that not one Illinoisian has been so base-

With my best wishes for your prosperity

I have the honor to be your Obet Sevt

Wm Prescott Capt 130th Ills

Prescott Capt Wm 130th Ills Vols

Camp Ford Tyler Texas Sep 28/64

He suggests to the Gov the condition of his Regt. They are prisoners there & have been for six months, and others troops have been taken prisoners under similar circumstances & got exchanged They are suffering and think they deserve to be exchanged. (File)