Caleb Letton to Richard Yates

Apr 26th /63

On Boar U.S. Gunboat Cricket

Gov Yates

Dear sir Knowing you to be a friend to the soldier and especially Ill soldiers, I will state my Case to you. In Oct last I left Camp Duncan to take the field against the Enemy. leaving my Wife and five Children in the Care of one that I supposed would see that she was taken care of and have a home in my absence. but I find I was mistaken she is turned out of a home with nothing But my wages for a support which is a sergents $17. per month. and that is uncertain about reaching her when I forward it. I mailed her 4 months wages which she failed to get, she is on the charity of the town and in a situation that needs care it has bourn on my find so that I Appeal to you for your influance

with the Commander in Chief to Discharge me from the service, I am not tired of the service But my family is suffering for attention, our Regt. is Divided into small squads and placed on Gunboats, any honors that may be won by us will be placed to the Credit of the Marines.

Cap Coffman and Twenty two of us were assigned to this Boat. I cannot even get a furlough for Twenty days, if you can do any thing for me I will Be under lasting Obligations to you

Yours Fraternally

Caleb Letton

Co. D. 101st Reg. Ill

Vol

Direct to U.S. Gunboat Cricket

Cairo Ill

Ansd May 23-63

Caleb Letton

File "L"

Co D 101st Regt Ill vol.

Gunboat Cricket April 24.63.

Says his wife and five children are now in a destitute condition - he has nothing to support them but his wages 17$ per month. Wishes the Governor to write to the Dept to have him discharged.

Recd ExO May 21 1863.