J. C. Fargo to Richard Yates, enclosure

Office of the American Express Company,

Chicago, May 7th 1864

Hon Richd Yates

Gov of Illinois

Dear Sir. The bearer of this Mr S. M. Drake is the father of Jas. B. Drake a former employe of this Co who enlisted as Private in Co M Chicago Light Artillery in July '62, from which time to the Battle of Chicamauga he was in active service. he was there badly wounded & up to this date and is now in Hospital at Quincy Ill.

In the judgment of several Physicians whos testimony Mr Drake presents you herewith. he will

never be allowed to enter active service again. It is his wish to be discharged from the long term of his Enlistment, and enter the One Hundred day service for which he thinks he is able to serve.

I have seen Mr J. B. Drake since he was wounded, and from conversation and his general appearance believe the statements made by the different Physicians, hereinbefore referenced [illegible], to be true, and also think that he will be of more service to his country in the position he applies for than laying about the Hospital as he must if not transferred

With Respect I am

Yours &c

J. C. Fargo

Aiken E.

Chicago May 7 1864

Introducing Mr Drake who has a son in Hospital at Quincy.

3. Enclosures -

Letter introducing Mr Drake to Dr Nicolls, Quincy requesting discharge of his son. Presented case in favorable light as justified by this letter & enclosures.

May 10th 64

Loomis

ADC

E. Aiken, Pres't. S. M. Nickerson, Vice Pres't. E. E. Braisted, Cash'r.

First National Bank,

Chicago, 186

Hon Richd Yates

Dr Sir

The bearer of this Mr. S. M. Drake has a son in the Hospital at Quincy Ill, who is suffering from a Disability occasioned by a would through the thigh recd at the Battle of Checkamauga, and there seems now no prospect of his being able to return to active duty in the field Young Drake was formerly in a good position with good prospects here, & when the call was made in 1862 he promply enlisted without seeking promotion

or any personal advantage he was constantly on duty did Efficient service as the History of the Battery to which he belonged will shew up to the day he was wounded. Since then his health has been poor & has suffered from the Confinemt & unfriendly diet of the Hospital, & wishes to be released from the Army, and have no doubt from Evidence that has come to me that He should be discharged and every assistance or influence that you could render Mr Drake in the case would be appreciated by those acquainted with the case

& the friends of Mr Drake I have not the Honor of a personal acquaintance with you Sir, but at the report of Mr Drake I take pleasure & the liberty of addressing you on the Subject.

E. Aiken

(P.S.) Mr Drake is the bearer of letters from Hon Wm Taylor Hon William Fuller. I now are eminent citizens of Onendaga Co N. Y. & I take pleasure also in stating that Mr Drake is a citizen of Onondega of the highest respectability & his statements can be implicitly relied on

E A