Richard Yates to S. E. Gregg

June 20th [186]4.

Mr. S. E. Gregg 53d Ills Vols.

Bath, Ills.

Dear Sir:

I am sorry you left your regiment. The imposing of an unjust fine or sentence was not a justification for your course, afterward adopted. I would be glad to assist you in any proper way but I have no power over troops individually or collectively after their muster into US. service and cannot therefore grant a discharge, and the orders of the War Department prohibs 3 years men entering the 100 Day service.

I see no way by which you can be relieved of responsibility owing to the service as a member of the 53rd and would advise you to go back voluntarily to the regiment and serve out faithfully and like a good soldier, the term of your enlistment

The reputation of having abandoned your comrades and the service while the enemies of our Country are faithful and vigilant to secure its destruction is a cloud over the character of a Union Soldier which nothing but a return to duty will or can dispel and I hope for the honor of your children & your own love of country you will do right.

Your friend

Richd Yates

Governor.