J. F. Burnett and William S. Rosecrans to Richard Yates

I 30 A [Godmo?] 7\28/4

1420

Springfield Ills July 28/64.

Illinois State of. (Ex Dept.)

Yates, His Ex'cy Richd. Governor,

Calls attention to the condition of the 17th Ills Cav. at Alton Ills, Give statements in regard to date of Company organizations, States that the men at muster in received, one month pay, and 1st installment of bounty but have received no pay since, and they are complaining bitterly that their families are suffering, The officers spent much money in Recruiting of the Regiment and some of them in the field outwith a cent of pay. The Governor will feel greatly obliged if the Comd'g Genl. of the Dept, will cause them to be paid as quickly as possible and that the companies yet without arms equippments horses &c&c may be assisted in every way possible for him to help them. He also alludes to the fact that that the discipline and general tone of the Post at Alton is miserable and that important and radical changes are necessary immediately. Wishes the Comd'g General would send an Inspector there at once and be apprised of the condition of the troops. The newspapers (union) are giving "Our Military Authorities" credit for shortcomings which endanger the rights of private citizens in those whom Union people desire to restrain in every way to benefit the Government at home and in the Army, Encloses newspaper scrap touching the matter of pay complained of with editing remarks thereto added.

Recd Hd Qrs D Mo July 30, 1864

One Enclosure

Hd Qrs Dept of the Mo

St Louis Aug 2 /64

Respecty referred to Brig Genl J. T. Copeland Com'dg Military Station Alton for a full and comprehensive report upon so much of the within complaints as touched his command

By order of Maj Genl Rosecrans

J.F. Burnett

AA.G.

Hd Qrs Dept of the Mo

St Louis Aug 10 / 64

Respecty referred to His Excellency Govr Richard Yates of Ills. with request for his perusal of the within reports. & also with request that these papers be returned to these Hd Quarters thereafter

Signed W.S. Rosecrans

Maj Genl

[illegible]

Comd'g

A.A.G.