W. J. Bishop to Richard Yates

Camp Near Carrollton La May 10th /64

Richard Yates, Gov

Springfield

Dear Sir I do not feel competent to addrefs You although I think it a case of needsesety that justice may be done the Soldiers of our Country

I will State to Gov the case which I wish to set before You. I am a private of Co. C. 33 Ill. Inft of Capt E J. Lewis I enlisted at Bloomington Ills Aug 15 1861 And Served fathefull being the partisipant of 8 battles the eighth was the last Battle of Jackson Miss. in which I was wounded by a ball etering my face about the middle of the left nostrile and coming out one inch behind my right ear. I was onley saved by having extreme good care taken of me. I was taken home where I staid until the 1st of Dec when I started back to my regt

Which was at this time in Texas. I Could not get any farther than Orleans until about the middle of Jan when I had a chance to go to the regt. When I arrived at the regt they were talking of reenlisting and so they did reenlist. I did not want to be left behind so I applied for a discharge (my wound was still runing and is yet) but he the sergeon said no. Sais he reenlist you shal never go into the ranks and if you are not well by the time we leave the state to come back into the field I will give you your discharge. I have not done any duty for 9 months and the same sergeon says now that I am not fit for duty Stil he will not give me a discharge. When I was sworn in to the service he was the examning officer he did not examine me but he swore and moreover supscribed his name that I was fit for military service and at the same time excused me evry day from duty. I love my Country as much as ever but I am doing it no good here now

Whereas I think if I was at home I could go to school and get an education which I have no got and would be of some benefit to my self My name is William J. Bishop. I am a Son of Martin L. Bishop resident of McLean Co Ills. I may have ben to hasty in taking this act but I have ben thinking over it so much that I had [swor?] to this. It is the earnest wishes of my hart that justice be done me and I know of no one that would be more likely to do justice to a private Soldier that Gov. for I believe You to be a man of justice.

I am Yours respectfully

W. J. Bishop

Bishop W J.

Carrollon La

May 10 1864.

Is a private in 33rd Regt. was wounded at Jackson and has not been able for field duty since. Was induced to re enlist by the Surgeon who promises to discharge him if he was not able to go into field. Wishes Governor to have him discharged -

Answered May 28th and wrote Comdg Officer of the regt to have him Examined & if proper subject to discharge &c &c

Loomis

ADC