Elizabeth Bates to Richard Yates

Mt Sterling Ill Aug 15th 1864

To His Excellency Richard Yates Governor of Ill.

Dear Sir

I wish to lay before you the case of my son Francis M Bates a private in Co. E 119th Regt of Ill Vols who is now sick in Hospital of Quincy Illinois - I desire to obtain the discharge of my said son for two reasons, first that his state of health is such I think as to disqualify him from doing any further good in the service; and secondly because my circumstances and condition in life are such as to require his aid and assistance in getting a living. He is my only living son and only chance for a livelihood. I have already lost one son in this war, and feel that in my declining years I need the aid

of this my remaining son - His age is a little over 18 years and he has been in the service nearly one year. He is now as an inmate of Hospital No 4 in the city of Quincy. Will You order an examination into his case by the Surgeon and have him discharged, if he should be found unfit for the service: or in case there should be no grounds of physical disability sufficient to warrant his discharge will you be so good as to advise me what course to pursue in order to obtain his discharge and by so doing you will confer a favor on a poor lone widow

Elizabeth Bates

Bates, Mrs. Elizabeth

Mt. Sterling Aug 15th 1864

Wishes to have her only son Francis M Bates pt Co. E 119th Ills Vols now in hospital at Quincy discharged. Has lost one son in war and is dependent on the other for support.

Wrote to Medical Director Quincy and informed Mrs. Bates Aug 19 64

Snyder ADC