Robert F. Winslow to Richard Yates

Lacon, Marshall Co, Ill.

July 19: 1862.

Governor Yates,

My dear Sir,

I wrote to you a short time since respecting the condition of 1300 of the Parolled Prisoners then at Cairo among whom are a number of Illinois volunteers. Since then they have been sent to Benton Barracks, St Louis - One of my sons who is among them writes to me, that the Commandant of that post requires these men, in violation of the obligation of their [parol?], to perform all the usual Camp duties; & threatens to enforce his order & to imprison & otherwise punish those who disobey. Many of these men have been wounded, & are not in Condition to do duty, evenif it were proper to exact it; & moreover the Government are largely in arrears to them for their pay - & their families are suffering in Consequence

Some of the men are described as on the verge of insanity in Consequence of the unjust treatment they are receiving - "going about wringing their hands & weeping like children" - Your conduct in regard to our sick & wounded, has elicited the warm commendation of men of all parties, & it has been well earned -- From these exhibitions of the interest you feel in the wellbeing of our brave sons who are so especially under your care, I feel satisfied that you will not disregard my appeal made on their behalf upon any well founded Complaint of improper treatment - I know that upon a representation of similar facts to the Governor of Ohio he favorably interfered, & Caused the paroled prisoners of his State to be at once discharged on furlough, & paid off - to remain home, & rest until regularly exchanged - Pardon me for suggesting that our own Governor must not be in any measure Excelled in devotion to the interests of the gallant boys of "Fort Donnelson & Shiloh."

Again I say please Command my services, if I can aid you in any respect in carrying

out any of your measures for the relief of our suffering boys. -

I remain

Yr Sincere friend

& obt sevt

Robert F Winslow

Robt F. Winslow

Lacon July 19

Appealing to the Gov. in behalf of the paroled Ills prisoners at Camp Benton - They are badly mistreated - has a son there.

I wonder if we still have many sick in the hospitals

ansd