Louisa A. Smith to Richard Yates

Norwalk, Ct.

Nov 25th 61

To His Excellency Gov. Yates

Sir

I write to ask of you a favor, a commission in the army, for my son, Frank Betts Smith, who is a corporal in the Chicago Light Artillery Co., Ct. now at Paducak. He has been under constant study and drill since the 20th of April when he joined that co. and they left for Cairo. Commissions were offered him two months ago, in Co. then forming, but he could not leave to help from them and recently one has been offered him in a Cavalry Reg. but the same difficulty is in the way.

F. B. Smith is twenty-five years of age, health good, rather above medium height, very active in mind and body - in appearance and address prepossessing - in character, brave, generous, and of high moral tone

In your state my son is comparatively a stranger, had he entered the army in this, his own state or N. York he probably would have been differently situated months ago. Of my making this application to your Excellency, he has not the most remote idea, but should you be please dot consider my request and grant him a commission, I do know, that he would greatly appreciate it and that no effort would wanting on his part to show himself worth of your confidence and favor and I can assure you honored sir, while I beg you to excuse the liberty I have taken, that your kind consideration of my request will place under infinite obligation one of the many mothers who have give an only son to the country, service and bid him "God speed and turn

not back until his country is safe."

Most Respectfully,

Louisa A. Smith

Louisa A. Smith

Norwalk Conn.

Asking commission for her son F. B. Smith at Paducah

Acknowledge [illegible] to be received consideration

To Gov. Yates