A. B. Bunn and J. P. Post to Richard Yates

Decatur Ills. Feby 19th 1863

Governor Yates,

Dear Sir,

It is certainly

true that great numbers of our Soldiers are

and have been for Sometime past, deserting, and

returning home; We think to such an Extent as

give cause of fear, as to the Effect it may have

upon our Army: To say the least, it is a

great wrong, and the Evil should be stopped if

possible. There are several instances of deser-

tion in our County--And we are informed that

quite a Squad returned to this County last

Evening--For those reasons we have thought

it our duty to inform you of the fact, and

Communicate with you, as to what can be

done, and how it should be done. Surely if

persons are allowed to desert from the army

and return to their homes, and there remain

unmolested, it will have a very bad influence

upon the Army, and the people at home--

what should be done-- Yours truly A. B. Bunn

J. S. Post

Ans. March 3rd 63

A. B. Bunn

J. P. Post

Decatur Feby 19--63

Number of deserters

from the army at

Decatur. Thinks they

ought to be arrested.

Deserters

Answer- I

have repeatedly

brought matter

before Dept. of W--but

as yet not

advised--If

a state matter

I would act

as you desire at once.