A. Whiting and others to Richard Yates

Camp of the 2d Reg't of Ills. Cav. Vols., Baton Rouge, La., Aug. 12, 1864

Sir:

We, the undersigned officers of the 2d Ills Cav respectfully beg leave to make the following statement of facts:

The most of us enlisted in the regiment to serve for the term of three years from the 12th day of August, 1861. Some of our number entered the service as enlisted men, and others have been promoted to a higher grade than that held at the time of entering the service; All have been re-mustered in consequence of promotion except Lieut. Lebold, of Co. "D," and Capt Hotating, of Co. "A," and they were mustered out of the service to-day, by reason of "expiration of term of service." We were re-mustered on our commissions with the understanding that we were so remustered for the unexpired term of our enlistment; and now we are held to service for three years from the date of our last muster. We consider this unjust, and in violation of existing orders from war department. Circular No. 36, War Department, May 2d, 1864, says "all officers of regiments not veteran, shall be mustered out, at the expiration of their original terms of service." The chief mustering officer of this Department has issued an order,---as we think, without authority, and in violation of the order from War Dep't, above referred,---to, holding us to service, as above stated. We think, by provis-

ions of the circular above quoted, we think ourselves entitled to an honorable discharge; for we have faithfully served our term of service,

We now respectfully ask you to use your influence, to get us mustered out of the United States service. This paper will be presented to you by Lt. John Cayton, who will further represent our case to your Excellency.

Hon. Richard Yates:---Gov. State of Ills.

Your Obedient Serv'ts.

A. Whiting Capt Co. "E", 2d Ills. Cav. Vols.

James Ewart, Capt Co. B 2d Ills Cav.

Saml Whitaker Capt Co "C" 2 Ills Cav

John Cayton 2d Lieut Co L "2 Ill Cav

J B Venard 1st Lieut Co H 2nd Ills

Moses E Kelley Capt Co I 2d Ills Cavy

John G Weakley Capt Co G

F.T. Moore Capt. Co. "L" 2nd Ill Cav.

E Z Hunt, 1st Lt. Reg Q. M. 2nd Ill Cav

William Monger 2nd Lt Co D 2nd Ill Cav Vol

W H Webb 2nd Lt Co 'M' 2nd Ills Cav vol.

A S Dement 1st Lt Co B 2d Ill.

B F Garrett 1st Lt Co K 2d Ill Cavy

Thos J Clark 2nd Lt Co L [2d Ill Cavy]

Lewis Aubere Lt & R.C.S [2nd Ill Cavy]

Lieut Geo Moore Co C 2nd Ill Cavy

Lieut J. S. McHenry Co A 2nd Ill Cav

State of Illinois, Executive Dept', Springfield Aug 26 1864

This application of the Officers of 2nd Ills Cav. Vol. is respectfully recommended to the favorable consideration of the Hon. Sec. of War who is respectfully requested to investigate and see that Justice is done to the Officers complaining. The 2nd Cav is one of the most gallant organizations sent from this State and the Officers are entitled to the favorable consideration of the War Depart. on account of their most valuable services rendered. I earnestly hope that attention will be given to their application

Richd Yates, Governor

A W Whiting Capt And others of 2nd Ills Cavly

State of Illinois, Executive Department. Springfield Aug 26th 1864

Official Copy

This application of the officers of 2nd Ills Cavly. Vols is respectfully recommended to the favorable consideration of the Hon Sec of War, who is respectfully requested to investigate, and see that Justice is done to the officers complaining. The 2nd Ill Cav is one of the most gallant organizations sent from this State, and the officers are entitled to the favorable consideration of the War Dept on account of their most valuable Services rendered

I earnestly hope that attention will be given to their application.

(Signed) Ricd Yates, Governor.

Official copy of Govr endorsement of complaints of 2nd Ills cav respectfly referred to Sec. of War