Lewis H. Cox to Richard Yates

Millitary Prison

Helena Arks

Oct the 14th 64

Governer Yates of Ills

Respected Sir &c

I most humble seat myself to write to you as one of the sons & soldiers of that state for information from you in regard to this but first I soldiered in the three 3 months service my time out I then enlisted in the three 3 years service and liked 20 days of having my three 3 years servt out when I was put on pickett guard as is nature I had bin sitting up for four or five nights before with some young ladies being up that day all day and that night untill I went on post at 11 [ock?] and being tired of standing and sleepy to I sat myself down by a stump to rest but not to sleep though nature [illegible] me once and when the relief guard same arround the Corp. awoke me and to my surprise I found I had actualy bin wraped in the arms of sweet repose with the ground for my bed and a stump for a pillow the worst of all while stationed on a [illegible] post for whitch I was arrested and sentenced for the period of twelve months with all pay due and to become due stoped Bounty included I am here without clothes and without money my father

is a poor man with a family to support and from him I cannot ask assistance I have made an aplication to reinlist in the service again but have recived no answer to it as till yet

Governer Yates I now beg of you as a poor man & a private soldier from the State of Ills to intercede in my behalf for I have a wife and child to suport myself If you can do it or if it can be done by your influence I beg hope and pray to be released either to go home with my family or to go in the service If so in me you will find a true soldier to the Union cause it allso much please and oblidge

your most humble servant

Lewis H. Cox Private Co C 15th Ills Cavalry

Please answer affirmatively or negatively so I may know what to depend upon

Lewis H. Cox

Military Prison Helena Ark Oct 14th 64

When he had nearly served his time out-he was put on picket duty-& having sat up for three or four consecutive nights with some young ladies-he one night while on duty. sat down by a stump and accidently fell asleep for which he was arrested & had all his pay stopped including bounty &c He wants assistance as he has a family to support

file