James C. Gilliland to Richard Yates

M0uth White River, Arkansas

Nov. 4th 1864

Governor,

Permit me tho a stranger to you, to make a special request. As I have known you by reputation for years, and more recently by your kind and generous acts, towards the soldiers of our own State; I have the assurance to make the request. I would most Respectfuly ask; that you make a special request to the President to order my Discharge. I will now give the circumstances under which I make this request. I have been in the service since Aug. 1862, for the last year my health has been poor, not being able to march. I have been unable to get a Discharge through the regular military Chanel, as my officers would not assist me much. I am now on Detached duty working at the Harness Trade. But I am not well any of the time as my Lungs is effected. Since my Enlistment

I had all my money: Notes & acts, burned, Which still remain unsettled, my wife - who is now a cripple, is Dependant on my small wages. I think I could serve my Country in some Capasity more sutable to health. Governor, I hope you will make the request, in Behalf of my Family, and in Behalf of my noble County & State, that has done so much to put down this Rebellion, For, which I will be under lasting obligations.

Most Respectfuly.

Pri James. C. Gilliland

G. Co. 76th Regt. Ills. vol. Infty.

P.S. My home is in Urbana Ills. And for refference, as to character, and the Truth: of the above Statement, I will refer you to William N. Coller, William D. Somers, & J. C. Sheldon of Urbana. Allso, Dr. William Fithian, Oliver L. Davis of Danville.

Gilleland Jas. C

Mouth White River Nov 6/64.

Wants Govr to make a request to Prest Lincoln for his discharge as he is afflicted with disease of the lungs & unable to do military duty.

Ansd Dec 15 64

Snyder