Thomas Pope to Richard Yates

Quincy Ill

Oct. 10, 1864

To his Excellency

Gov. Richard Yates

Honored Sir

On the day of the mass meeting at Springfield, as you were fully occupied, in answer to my application, backed up by a letter (to Genl Washburne) from our noble old Ex Gov Wood your gentlemanly Secretary gave me a very kind letter to Genl Washburne - regarding my son who was a private in Co. H. 137 Reg. Ill. Vol 100 day men now a prisoner at Cahawba, Al. Since my return home I have regretted I could not have a personal interview for the reason that I believe you must be working for the good of the 100 day men whom you so freely tendered to the Govt in its hour of need - and who now, in thier turn need

your kindly offices

I feel assured a request from you to the proper Dept. for a speedy Exchange of 100 day men would not fail of good results

The fact that you secured thier services to the Govt unasked: the fact that so many of them are the younger sons - the boys of families who have already in may ways contributed to the great struggle: and the further fact that it was only for a limited period, and for light service that they enlisted or were fit: and that prison life and prison fare will be harder on them than on thier seniors: All these considerations will move you, and should move the Department to arrange for thier speedy

exchange. Shall I not receive from you, Dear Sir the assurance that you have already moved in thier behalf, and that thier case shall never be lost sight of until they are free?

I am of course first of all deeply anxious for my son - Charles A Pope - next - for the Quincy boys Henry Williams, Henry Bancroft, Peter Felt - Edward Schuabel - all, with Charley, members of Co H 137 Reg Ill Vol -and now prisoners at Cahawba Al. and also for all the unfortunate boys of that Regt - some 70 I think, in all.

Other friends of these boys will await your reply with deep interest.

With assurances of high regard Yours Very Resy

Thomas. Pope

Post. Thos.

Quincy Oct 10/64

Requests Govr to use his influence in having the boys of 137th Ill Regt (100 Days Troops) who are prisoners at Cahawba, Ala. exchanged.

Ansd Oct 20th 1864

Snyder

ADC