Edith L. Martin to Richard Yates

Carbondale Sept 15th 1863.

Mr Richard Yates

Dear Sir I pen these few lines to you hopeing that you will pardon my obtrusiveness and think I ought to be over looked if it is a little out of the way my only excuse Sir is my love for my husband that [prompted?] the thought to me that you could use your influence to get my husband a furlough as he has been very sick and is improving Slightly I think at least I do hope he is better his disease is so flattering sometimes, yet I will hope against hope I request you Mr Yates as people tell me you are a good noble hearted man I ask a great favor of you on that plea. My husband Sargt Lewis W. Martin of Co D 81st Regt Ills Infty Vols has been in the United States Service since Augt 1862 and has never had a furlough leave in all that time, and is in the Hospital at Quincy Ills now under Gen Burnside

and as he has done his duty nobly as a Soldier and is not fit for Duty scarcely if at all don't you think you can get a furlough for 30 or 60 days for him if you think you can conciencesly use your influence in his behalf I would as I state the facts be doubly grateful for he is a good kind husband and father as well as Soldier and as others had got you to do the Same favor for them I thought I would use my influence in my husbands behalf his address is Quincy Genl Hosp No 2 where you can get any information if desired Use your influence Gov Yates and get my husband home till his health improves and I will bless you always Is not men entitled to a discharge when they have a Settled disease as Consumption and Lead While produced from inhaling the Poisins from Lead when painting his regimental Surgeon says he is diseased with both of these and

said he could consciencely give him a discharge if he was under his Control I want you to do what you think is right and I shall be contented therewith

Your friend & well wisher

Edith L Martin

Carbondale

Ills.

File H

US Gen Hospital

Quincy Ill Sept 23/63

Respectfully returned to his Excellency Gov Yates Sergt Martin is one of these to be presented to the Board of Examiners for Invalid Corps as a fit subject to be transferred to that Corps. The Board is expected here next week

R Nicolls

Surgeon USA in Chge

Send Mrs Martin copy of Dr Nichols indorsment with letter of Sept 24th 63

Loomis

Executive Office

Springfield Ills

Respectfully referred to Dr Nicholls, Surgeon USA in Charge of US Hospital Quincy Ills with request that atten may be given to this case & that if fit subject a furlough may be granted Please endorse & return this letter

Richd. Yates

Governor