Porter Cotton to Richard Yates

Griggsville Pike Co. Ill Oct 21 1864

To his excellency, Gov. Yates.

Dear Sir,

Knowing that your time is taken up with important public busines I will without preamble come at once to the subject of this communication. My last 2 sons at home (the other being in the army) enlisted in 137th Ill. Inft. (100 days men) and the youngest was made prisoner at Memphis by Forest's command. He is young (17) and often sick, but full of patriotism; and knowing he was not fit to endure hard campaigns, thought he could relieve a better soldier from comparative light duty by becoming a 100 days soldier. Other prisoners of that regiment, I know, are like him unfit for hard service or prison life, so I would not be too selfish and ask you to interfere in his behalf only, but also for his associates. If I mistake

not, I deeply sympathise with all our brave men who are fighting or suffering for our common country, yet permit me to suggest that these boys, having responded promptly to the invitation of their beloved governor, for a short term of service, without the usual compensation or exemption from draft, might perhaps expect a little extra sympathy, they being in a peculiar manner your own boys. Permit me also to suggest that as they are especially your boys you have an extra claim upon those who have the power to procure their release.

Please pardon me for taking the liberty to address you thus familiarly upon a subject in which my feelings are deeply interest and believe me your humble Servt

Porter Cotton

My sons name is Alfred Cotton Comp f 137 Ill. Inft.

His Excellency Richard Yates Springfield Ill