Edward C. Henshaw to Richard Yates

Ottawa Feby. 12th 1863

To His Excellency

Richard Yates

Govr. Illinois

Dear Sir

Your letter of 5th inst. is just at hand and I hasten to reply -

Henry Deford was enlisted last November by Lieut. Morrison. he then gave his age as eighteen years and his appearance certainly indicates that he had reached that age.

Isaac Deford his father made application to Judge Drummond for a writ of Habeas Corpus in favor of Henry which the Judge refused - Isaac Deford then returned to Ottawa and with his wife induced Henry to desert - I however had him arrested on the cars and brought back to camp - His parents were aware previous to his being mustered into the service that he had enlisted in my battery, and they made no effort to have him removed until after he had received twenty seven dollars from Government

and Sixty dollars bounty from LaSalle county. The money he has received from this county would readily induce other men to enlist and his father should be compelled to refund this money to the county for the purpose of enlisting other men before this man should be mustered out.

I believe that Isaac Deford is a bad man and I take the liberty of enclosing such evidence as I have at hand in support of my assertions.

Henry Deford was mustered into the service by Capt Pomeroy on the 3d day of December last.

I would respectfully suggest to your Excellency that the mustering out of this man after having been arrested for desertion would tend to do much injury in camp --

I have the honor to remain

Governor Very Respectfully

Your Obedient Servt,

Edwd C. Henshaw

Comdg Battery

Edward. C. Henshaw.

Ottawa. Feb 12th / 63.

In reference to Isaac Deford and Wife who have induced their son Henry Deford to desert. At the time of enlistment he gave his age as eighteen.