Richard Yates to William Tecumseh Sherman

State of Illinois

Executive Department.

Springfield Aug 2nd 1864.

Major General Sherman.

near. Atlanta Georgia

Dear Sir:

Permit me to call your attention to the case of Col. Smith D Atkins of the 92nd Regt. Ills. Vols. who I am informed is under arrest---caused by charges of Kentucky Officers Either Col Murray of the 3rd Ky Cav. or other Officers of his Brigade. Col Atkins offense seems to consist in his (so alledged) remarks against "Kentucky Neutrality" &c &c. I have known Col A for many years---and know him as one of the staunchest loyalists Illinois has sent to the field and his merits as a soldier are the highest as you are doubtless aware. I have most respectfully and earnestly

to recommend and request that the 92nd Ills may be taken away from its present Brigade organization and assigned to one where there are no Ky regiments in same Brigade---if possible---and with troops from North Western States.

Col Atkins has already had great difficulties with Ky troops and there has bee a studied effort to perplex and persecute him because of his radical views and all complaints against him so far as I have been able to learn have resulted from personal prejudice created against him while his regiment was serving in Ky---and not in a single instance has he been guilty of a violation of orders

Will you also do me the Kindness, General, whatever may be the result of charges against him, to investigate carefully (yourself if possible) the papers in his case and cause ample justice to be done him. I do not write at the suggestion of any one. Atkins is one of my personal friends and aside of that he is one of our most influential and highly respectable Citizens and wields great influence in matters which contribute to the highest & most sacred interests of the Country. If at all convenient I would be glad to hear from you when you have had time to examine or hear of his case

Truly Yours.

Rich. Yates

Governor.

S. M. Dayton

Head Qrs Army of the Ohio

Before Atlanta, Ga Aug 11." 1864

Respectfully returned to Head Qrs Mil. Div. of the Miss. The 92d Ills. mounted Infty. is not in Dept of the Ohio.

J M [Schofuler?]

Maj. Genl.

State of Illinois Executive Department Springfield 186 [blank page, no writing]