Dick M. Crory to Unknown

Page 1

At a meeting of the Paroled Soldiers of Illinois held at Benton Barracks Mo October 15th 1864 of which Chaplain Johnson A. Palmer 54th Illinois Vol Infantry was chosen Chairman and Lieut I. O. Smith Secretary

A committee was appointed which reported the following Preamble and resolutions which were unanimously adopted.

Whereas the Legislature of the State of Illinois at its late session failing to make any promises for Soldiers in the field to exercise their right of suffrage

Resolved

That as Volunteer soldiers engaged in maintaining the honor and integrity of our country we feel that we are still citizens and as such entitled to all our civil and Political rights and privileges.

Resolved that as the election franchise has always been considered the most sacred and inestimable privilege of freeman we the citizen soldiers of Illinois desire to express our voice in the coming election for Chief Magistrate of the Republic.

Resolved

That we the Citizens of Illinois and Soldiers

of our common Country battling for the eternal principles of truth and justice have sympathy with the enemies of common country whether they be Southern Rebels or Northern Copperheads and we now ask as Paroled Soldiers who have so faithfully served our Government for three long years that we be permitted to go home and vote against this infamous Chicago Platform which says this War for the Union has been a failure.

Resolved

That we as Soldiers of the United State being here on Parole and doing our duty in which we can be of any service to our Country do most Earnestly request that Governor Yates of Illinois and Maj Genl Rosecrans the Dept Commander use their Influence to have us sent home to Illinois until after the Election in November 1864.

Resolved

That a Copy of these resolutions be sent to Governor Yates Major Genl Rosecrans and also a copy to the Mo Democrat and the Chicago Tribune and request their publication.

Committee

Sergt Major Dick [MCrory?]

Sergeant [illegible] Chambers

" A [Illegible]

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Committee Continued

Sergt J. L. Johnson

" John Miller

" William Garner

" R. B. MComb

Corp E. A. Jellison

" John Robinson

" Bannon

John A. Palmer Chaplain Chairman

S. A. Smith Lieut Secty

Chaplain Jno A. Palmer

Benton Barracks Oct 15th 64

Gives a copy of the Preamble & Resolutions passed at a meeting of Paroled Ills Soldiers. Setting forth their rights, as American Citizens to vote in the coming election.

File

Acknowledged rec't

Snyder