Charles H. Egleston to Richard Yates

Hospital No 3 Nashville Tenn

Feb 6th 1863

To his Excellency Richard Yates

Governor of the State

of Illinois

Dear Sir

It is not without Some hesitation that I attempt to Address one holding as high a position as your self but being in a place very disagreeable to my Self and Knowing you to be a true gentleman and a man of fine feeling I take permission of asking liberty of you to go to my home for a few days I was wounded at the battle of Murfreesboro Tennessee loosing the thumb of my right hand and also the ends of three fingers I was sent here to Nashville to the hospital

and not being used to being confined so closely and Surrounded by all kinds of disease and I now flater my self that under these circumstances you will grant me this favor The surgeons Say that my wound will not be well under two months So that I can use it and not much then I have served my Country faithfully for (18) eighteen months volunteered in considerable of a hurry and left my busines very loose and I have never had an opportunity of Straitening it up

I have got a family to take care of So why not let me have furlough for a few days and be where I can have the fresh air and enjoy my self while my wound is healing in stead of keeping me Shut up here where I am liable to be taken down with Sickness at any moment

1st Sergt

I think that I could then return to my regiment a much Stronger man than if I Stay here You can fix the time to suit Your Excellency when I shall return to my regiment and if I do not obey I am willing to be delt with as Your Excellency Sees proper I only live (6) Six miles from the City of Springfield and I will report to you emmediately after arriving and if my wound is not as bad as I represent it you can arrest me and send me back I hope you will give me an answer whether I will have to stay here or receive a permit to go home but I cannot help but think that your Excellency will grant me a furlough

Yours Respectfully

Charles Egleston

Co A 38 Reg Ill vol Inft

"Address

Charles. H Egleston

1st Sergt Co A 38 Reg Ill vols Inft

Gen. Hospital No 3 Ward 6

Nashville Tenn

38th Reg ans Mar 5 63

Charles. H. Egleston.

Gen Hospital, No 3. Ward 6

Nashville - Tenn. Feb 6th/63

Says he has been wounded and asks permission of the Gov to give him leave to go home for a few days

Lives six miles from Springfield and will report to the Gov on his arrival here.

No furlough