John S. Loomis to E. M. Raymond

December 17th [186]3.

Mrs E M Raymond.

President

Union L of L W of A.

West Jersey

Illinois

My Dear Madam.

I am directed by his Excellency Governor Yates to acknowledge receipt of your letter of 16th Novr which came several days since & unintentionally overlooked until this date. The Governor directs me to suggest three modes by which the contributions of your most worthy society can be adventageously dispensed, viz: To purchase supplies of such articles of clothing as are not furnished the soldier by the Government such as gloves or woollen mittens, Thick woollen socks, or articles which wood be useful for the sick or wounded in Hospitals

2nd To send funds to Col Jas Williams Treasurer of the

State Sanitary Commission Springfield who under direction of that Comr expends the money directly for the benefit of sick & wounded, and which is perhaps the most practical method of disposing of the money to benefit the soldier through the Agency of Sanitary agents constantly employed by the Commission in the field.

3rd. To donate the fund to what is known as the "Charity Fund" which is under the direct control of the Governor and is employed for the benifit of the Widows and orphan children of soldiers who call upon him for aid, and also to render temporary assistance to sick or wounded soldiers who have recently been discharged the service and who have received no pay at time of discharge & who await the tedious delays in having their accounts for bounty &c adjusted by the Government. There are hundreds of such cases presented personally to the Governor and which in view of the fact of no appropriation from public treasury at his disposal can only be met by the Voluntary donations of humane, philanthropic citizens

His Excellency directs me to Express his warm thanks for the energy and patriotism displayed by yourself & worthy associates in Keeping up an organized effort to benefit the sick & wounded who have met misfortune in battling for our dearest rights & most sacred privileges

Most Respectfully & truly Yrs

John S. Loomis

Col & A.D.C.