W. Bushnell to Richard Yates

Ottawa Oct. 24th 1864 Dear Governor,

    On the 17th of this month one James Wellington one of those persondrafted from the Town of where of our county, furnished a substitute by the name of Nelson[ LeDueke?} who was duly sworn into the U.S. service for one year in lieu of said principal & was duly taken in custody by the proper officer & a paper which will be shown you marked "A" give to said principal. 
    On the 16th with the principal contrary to the assurances of the chief officer of enrollment was forwarded to the 59th key Ill. Volunteer 

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that the said substitute was duly delivered to the proper authorities of said state at the city of Springfield and I have good reason to believe that the research of the proper office in your city share that both principle & substitute are now in the U.S. service. If this be not so it is not the fault of the principal.

    Now the question is (all being right) who is to discharge the principal properly. Such authority as a matter of justice ought to exist as can be easily seen. These questions are all on the square. Something ought to be done."What can be" 

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Now Gov. I hate to annoy you in the [premises?], but the bearer hereof John Clark is my friend & I want him put through if possible. This is my request if possible.

                           All right
                                 Yours as ever
                                 W. Bushnell

Bushnell W. Ottawa Oct. 24 [illegible] The bearer Mr. James Clark wants to go to Washington to get a man out of the army who was drafted & afterwards sent a substitute. Reccommends him & request that he be put through.

Letter to Secty of War Nov. 2 1864 Snyder A.D.C.