John Nelthorp to Richard Yates

Jacksonville July 28th/ 64

Dear Sir

I hope you will pardon the liberty I have taken in writing to you on this occasion, but knowing the interest you have taken in the welfare of our brave soldiers, I am constrained to think your humanity is equally great in behalf of their Widows & Orphans therefore I am bold enough to write you for advice. On the 1st day of August 1861 at Winchester Ills. William West Enlisted in Lieutenant W W Masons Company (F) 33 Regiment of Ills Infantry

for 3 years - and was Discharged at Cairo Ills 27th January 1863 by reason of Surgeons certificate of disability, by order of General Tuttle - he Died at Jacksonville on the 12th day of June 1863 and his Widow claims his bounty $100 which he had never received, & like the rest of the Widows think she is entitled to his pension - said widow is left with 6 small children 1 born since his death & is in a tight place, she goes out washing &c to make a living, she has applied

to some persons to try to get her the pension &c who tell he she cannot claim it nor can she get it, that is why I write to you to ask if it is not her due & if so how should she apply for it & I will look after it for her, I fear those she has applied to are not so truthful as they should be - is her claim different from any others, he enlisted in defence of his country & contracted a disease which brought on Death, that was equal to being Shot in my opinion - & then to be told you cant claim it he was not killed in action it is a queer doctrine

I have trespassed on your valuable time please pardon me I feel feel for the widow & Orphans - If you please to drop a line either to Maria West Jacksonville or to John Nelthorp Jacksonville I shall feel thankfull I am aware that I am trespassing on your valuable time but hope you will forgive the liberty

I am Dr Sir

yours Respy

John Nelthorp

to R. Yates Esqr

Governor

Springfield Ills

I have his discharge before me

Nelthorp John

Jacksonville July 28 64

William West of Co F. 33rd Regt was discharged 27th Jany 1863 by reason of Surgeon Certificate and died on 12 June 63. His widow claims his bounty $100 which he had not recd. Wishes information on the subject.

Aug 10 -64

Ansd. H