James M. Dodge to Richard Yates

Millburn, Lake Co. Ill. Dec 8, 1863

Governor, Yates,

My son, Geo. C. Dodge of Co C 96th. Reg. Ill. Vol's., was wounded in the battle of Chickamanga; left on the field and fell into the rebels' power. He was paroled as were the other wounded, and returned to our lines. They were not paroled singly but all signed the same papers, - one of which was retained by the rebels, while the other, it is supposed was sent to the proper officer of the U. S. army. Thus George has nothing to show his actual relation to the army. He is now at home on a furlough requiring him to report at Nashvill Tenn.

My object in writing, is to ask of you the favor, if in your power, to arrange with the proper authorities, that the paroled Illinois soldiers may report at the parole camp nearest their several homes.

To be with, or near their families, while unable to take an active part in the war, would be a privilege to many of the soldiers without any prejudice to the public service.

To a young man from Indiana, furloughed at the same time as my son, who had been captured on an other occasion and paroled singly, Gen. Granger granted permission to report to the parole camp in Indiana.

Why should not the same privilege be granted to Illinois soldiers?

Please to consider this subject at an early day, and oblige many wounded men as well as Yours Respectfully

James M. Dodge

Dodge James M.

Milborn Lake County

Dec 3 1863.

His son is a paroled prisoner now at home on furlough. Wishes the Governor to arrange with the authorities to have Illinois soldiers to report at parole camps nearest their homes.

Executive Office Dec 11 1863