G. A. Chesley to Richard Yates

With Geo. W. Stipp letter 11/12/64

With Henry Conkling letters 11/18/64; 11/7/64

With W.J. Conkling letter 11/24/64

USA Genl. Hospital

Beverly NJ.

Nov 10/64

Sir

In answer to your communication of the 31" I am directed by the Surgeon in Charge to state that C.D. Platt Sergt Co B. 39 Ill. Vols. must report at this office without delay or be considered a deserter

Very Respectfully

Your Obt Servt

G. A. Chesley.

Ex Officer

Bloomington Nov 18th 1864

Hon Richard Yates

Dear Sir

Permit me to call your attention again to sick and disabled Soldiers who are home on Furlough – and not in a condition to return. In order to place the Matter properly before you I inclose a Letter recieved this Morning from Hospital “Beverly,” New Jersey" in regard to a Soldier who is at home and not able to return. I sent a certificate of extension having the Clerk's name of the County Court and the seal of the County attached, setting forth that the Soldier would be unable to return having received a Gun Shot wound in the left Shoulder, and the patient had Fever also which would render him unfit to travel for Twenty days. and notwithstanding all this the Surgeon sends back word that the Soldier must report forthwith or be considered a Deserter. This Sir I consider perfectly outrageous. Our Brave Soldiers of Ill. have Flesh and Blood like other Men. And there are the fewest number of them that wish to shrink from doing duty. Such being the case there should be charity extended to them especially

when sick and unfit for Duty. I have heard great complaint from Soldiers and their Friends from the heavy hand that is frequently laid upon them by Surgeons in Hospitals and furthermore to be considered a Deserter when unable to return especially when the facts are set forth by a Physician properly vouched for is outrageous I am satisfied that you will as you always have done heretofore extend the helping hand to the Ill. Soldiers and furthermore the Soldiers I know appreciate your great kindness to them. I often hear them speak of you with the kindest of feelings, and all they want is an opportunity to manifest towards you their kind regards – I am satisfied that it will be for the benefit of the Solider and also the Government if the sick can remain home a short time longer in order to Recuperate and better able to go into the services

This must be apparent to any reflective mind.

Such being the case I have carefully examined Many Sick and disabled Soldiers, who are now home and where in my Judgement I have thought these to be unable to return to their Regiment or Hospital have so stated the case in the form of a Certificate and sent it to the place at which they are ordered

to report and I endeavor to act in good faith to the Government as well as the Soldiers, but in order that I may not get into any difficulty or the Soldier either I would like if it can be done to have a written appointment or permission from your or whoever can grant such permission so that I am acting by Authority. If no such appointment can be made and the Surgeon receive some compensation from Gov for his services I am willing to act any how just so I can have your approval or some one else to grant that power

I sent you a few days ago A recommendation from G.W. Stipp Medical Inspector of U.S.A. who sees the great importance of the matter and who is personally acquainted with me and has been for years asking my appointment You see how I am placed in the matter Must I crawfish and countermand my certificates and send word to the sick Soldier that my extension is of no account and they must report forthwith or be considered a Deserter. Now shall I do this or will you help me out in this matter? Please let me hear from you soon And you will oblige

Yours Truly

Henry Conkling