E. [Elizabeth] G. Allen to Richard Yates

Piasa Macoupin Co. Ill

March 20th 1863

To the Honorable, the Governor Richard Yates, of Illinois,

Dear Sir,

I take my pen to Address a few lines to your Honor, in behalf of one of our Illinois Soldiers, his Wife & Family, believing that you have incessantly been exerting yourself, to alleviate the sufferings of our Illinois Soldiers.

While I can heartily Wish, this Our Government God Speed, in quelling this Rebellion, I feel I am induced by a Good Motive, to ask your Honor to use your influence to get a Discharge for one, Private Andrew Allen, of the 88th Regt Illinois Vol, now in the Convalescent Camp near Murfreesboro, Tenn; he (Allen) requests me to make to your Honor the following statement Viz.--

He (Allen) volunteered at Chicago on the 12th August last, is now past 48 years old, was soon after his Enlistment (for Three years or during the War) hurried to the Defence of Louisville, from there to Covington, oppisite Cincinatti; from there back to Louisville, then after Bragg to Perryville was in the hottest part of that Battle for 1 1/2 hours, next in pursuit of Bragg to Crab Orchard, from there to Lebenon, next to Bowling Green then to Nashville, was in most of the skirmishes between Nashville & Murfreesboro was in the Battle of Stone River was there Wounded in the Small of the Back by a piece of Shell, which Injured the Spine of his back so much that he has not been able for any Service Since, and no hopes of being soon, if ever, Was wounded on the 31st of December, and cannot get his discharge, although he says it has been recommended by the

Surgeon, he says they have been without a Surgeon for several Weeks, owing to the loss of Surgeon Coatsworth from over exertion, he (Allen) has never been away from the Company a day Since he Enlisted, he says if you wish anything in regard to his character as a Soldier you can obtain it from Capt. McClurg, deeming it unnecessary to make further Statements, he hopes you will condescend, to recommend his immediate discharge, as he has done all for his Country's cause that he thinks he will ever be able to do.

If you deem an action in his case worthy your attention, Please Address, Elizabeth G. Allen, Piasa P. O. Macoupin Co. Ill

Yours &c most respectfully,

E.G. Allen

pr. L. P. Armstrong

E. G. Allen

Piasa Macoupin Co.

March 20 63

Wishes a discharge for private Andrew Allen of the 88 Regt. says he is now 48 years old and cannot stand the service

Disch

Recd Ex O March 23 1863