I. T. Eccles to Richard Yates

Hillsboro Feb. 1. 1865

Hon. Richard Yates

Dear Sir,

Amongst the many hardships growing out of the rebellion, there is one case brought before me which I feel demands leniency -- Silas M. Mathews, a young man of 22 years of age, was conscripted at Lainfield Church, in Tennefse on the 10th of April 1863 while attending church. He deserted the Rebel Army the first opportunity in Mississippi, and in the attempt to make his way to his Fathers in Tennessee was captured by some of our forces and sent as a prisoner to Alton sometime in August or Sept 1863 -- He is now in Camp Douglass. He is anxious to be released on his oath. The above is vouched for by Mr. Dresser of Bond County whose wife is a relative of the prisoner -- The Drefser family are as respectable as any family in Bond. And their loyalty is unquestioned -- One of them now represents that County, and you can

testify to his fidelity to you as a friend. If you will call Prest Lincoln's attention to the case, I feel confident it will seceur his favorable consideration, and you will place the Mefrs Dresser under several obligations to you.

Your friend

I. T. Eccles

Eccles I. T.

Hillsboro Feby 1/65

A Mr. S. W. Mathews a resident of Tennesee was conscripted into the Rebel army and afterwards deserted and while trying to get away was captured by our forces & is now at Camp Douglas & wants to be released on oath. He is related to the wife of Mr. Drefser. Representative from Bond.