William Sears to Richard Yates

Niles Michigan

January 14th/64

To the Honorable

Richard Yates

Governor of the State of Illinois

Dear Sir

being somewhat troubled in mind with regard to my personal connection with the 14th Ill Regiment I take this opportunity of laying the matter before you for your consideration and advice I enlisted at the first call for volunteers in the 14th Ill infantry, endeavored to discharge my duty as a soldier in full, untill Just before the evacuation of Corinth by the rebels

I was taken very sick and was finally taken to the Hospital boat at Pittsburg Landing from thence to St Louis to the general Hospital where I remaind untill October of /62 when Captain Meacham of our Company (I) wrote me to the effect that my name with others who had been along time unable for duty had been sent in asking that we be mustered out of service, on showing this letter, I was grated a leave of absence, untill my final papers should be sent to me, after arriving at my home here I was very sick and have been under the care of a Physician nearly all the time since I came home. I have sent in certificates from my Physician and from the Notary Public stating my condition but my papers have never been sent to me, had I been able I should have reported in person

but I have written to the regiment several times and had come to the conclusion that I was not wanted, untill a short time ago, a man by the name of Isiac [Merwin?] of Waverly wrote to a man here stating that I was a deserter, on this intelligence I took the advice of friends and reported myself at Detroit. Lt. Colonel Smith the Provost Marshall Genl of this State gave me an order to the medical director for examination. he examined me and pronounced me unfit for service but on learning that I belonged to an Illinois Regiment he thought he could not interfere, I have just returned from Detroit and now report to you hoping you will advise me of the proper course to pursue, I have not the means to bear my expences or

I would immediately report in person. I have been sick a great deal and have a family of five children dependent upon me for support, in all I have done I have acted honestly and so far as intention is concerned honorably. I never could have been guilty of deserting my country in this hour of peril, of that crime I am as innocent as an unborn babe.

if you will please send me transportation I shall be pleased to come and if deemed fit for duty will go willingly and cheerfully to the front of battle. but Oh Sir if you can, clear me, I beseech you from the foul crime laid to my charge, I have my descriptive list and letters of correspondence from the regiment showing that I had reason to expect that my papers would be sent to me, and that I never intentionally deserted, with much respect I am

Sir your Obeident Servant

William Sears

Niles Michigan

[written vertically] Have not read - answer

Sears William

Niles Michigan

Jany 14 1864.

Has had some difficulty in obtaining his discharge. Wishes Governor to assist him in getting out of the service.

Apply for---& write him fully

Executive Office Jany 21 64.