Curtis Watkins to Richard Yates

Bristol Kendall Co. Ills.

September 1863

To the Governor of

Illinois

Springfield Ills.

William & Alva Watkins enlisted in the three months service to guard prisoners at Camp Douglas. They went into camp where they remained about 2 weeks when they left and returned home where they have remained until within a few weeks when they were taken as deserters by the Provost Marshall of this District

and by him sent to Louisville K.Y. Where they are now held in close confinement in order to compel them to enlist in a batery company which they refuse to do.

They never signed any muster roll, never were mustered into the service of the U.S. or of this State nor have they had any trial.

Can men be holden on any such grounds as the above?

They are my sons and are my only support.

Please interest yourself in behalf of an old man

I am aware that cases of this kind and more touching even, are daily brought before you but mine is none the less important to me.

I complain not that the boys have been arrested but that they should not be tried but held in close confinement, and that an effort should be made to compel them to enlist. If they are guilty let them be punished. If not, let them be discharged.

Your obedient Servant

Curtis Watkins

File W.

Watkins Curtis.

Bristol Kendal Co.

Sept.

His two sons, Alva & William after being for two weeks in the three months service deserted. They are now kept in close confinement in Louisville Kentucky. An effort is being made to compel them to enlist in a battery. Can this be properly done?

Anserd Oct 5 63 -

Loomis

Recd Ex O. Sept 28 63