Joseph Porter to Richard Yates

Camp Butler Ill. August 25th 1863.

To his exeleney Richard Yates. Governor of the State of Illinois.

Dear Sir! On last Saturday I received your valuable information for which I feel truly greatful to ouer Governor.

With reluctance I here write to you, for fear of abusing my Superiors, but I shall confine myself to the truth, but not in a complaining way against anybody, and I think it may be well for the Governor to know what brought me here. After I was wounded, I was captured and Paroled with other Brother wounded on June 20, I have no certificate for that, but none the less so, That is the reason I came to Springfield on July 22 to see the governor, he was not at home and General [Marchesnand?] advised me to go to the Provostmarshal, he send me here, I was treated as deserters are treated, that come and give themselves up, but objecting to this, I stayed with Co C.113. till August 7 on which day I was examined by Dr. Sturgis, he expressed himself as I stated in my letter of the 17th to the Governor, I showed the reply to the Doctor, who says I am to eager to get my discharge, and I ought not to have my family as an excuse As far as eagerness in concerned, I can not deny that, but I was more eager to enlist, and still more eager when I was a fighting, and having ben disabled in so doing I think I have a right to see to get my discharge with all the eagerness I can muster. I have a continued Pain in my wound, and I know while I live, it will continue so, on account of my age which is nearly fourty years, and about mentioning my family that is natural, but was I able to perform the dutys of a Soldier, this I would deal with as a secondary matter I can not send you that Certificate of disability, and will try to be patient I have not been paid for six months, and that Premium promised us none of us got yet, so you can judge Governor, I ask only Justice, and remain yours most obedient.

Joseph Porter. Ta

Governor Yates

Ansd Sept - 1st

Application previously [illegible]

Porter Joseph

Camp Butler Aug 25 63.

Came to Springfield to see the Governor was arrested as a deserter and is now at Camp Butler. Is a woulded Soldier has been examined by the Surgeon wishes to be discharged from the service. &C&C

Recd ExO Aug 27 1863