Joseph T. Cook to Richard Yates

Geneseo Ill Nov 18th 1864

Hon Richard Yates

Gov State of Ill.

Dear Sir.

On the 28th day of Oct. I was Mustered out as Chaplain of the 139th Ill. Infty Vols. at Peoria, by James A Hall, 1st Lieut, 1st U.S. Cav.y. He refused to give me a Certificate of non-indebtedness, for the lack of which, I could get no pay of the pay master who paid off the Regt: nor have I been able to get any pay yet. Now I have it from high Authority that it was the duty of that officer to have given me such certificate, as from the very nature of my position, it would be seen that I could give the govt nothing for ordnance or ordnance Stores.

I obtained the certificate of Col

Davidson & also that of Q. M. Bryner that I had never had in my possession a penny's worth of Ordnance, Ordnance Stores, nor Q. M. property. & did not owe a cent for any such property.

Still he declined, in a very abrupt & ungentlemanly Manner to Entertain the Subject for a Moment, & compelled me to wait until I have no idea when for my pay. I have never drawn a farthing of pay since I Entered the service, in June. I am poor & my family is suffering for the want of my Summer's Earnings. Now I appeal to you for help & redress. You have the reputation of being the Soldier's friend. Can you not see to it that I am at once put in the way of speedily getting my pay? Why should I be thus kept out of

my pay? The Iowa & Ohio 100 days troops, officers & all, got their pay at their muster out, & they were mustered out at the Expiration of their time. The mustering officer Audited their Accounts & ballanced them, & gave the necessary Certificates to Enable the officers to get what pay they were Entitled to. He did this for the Military officers, saying nothing about the Chaplains, who he knew of course would owe the Govt nothing for Military Stores. If I Should forward my discharge papers to Springfield, could you not order my pay to be made ready for me at once?

The pay master, Maj Reynolds was ready to pay me at Peoria & said I ought to be paid & ought to have my Certificate of non-indebtedness from the mustering officer. The simple

disgraceful truth is, the mustering officer, while at Peoria thought a hundred fold more of good brandy & of having a rollicking "good time" than he did of our interests & rights as Soldiers of the Country: & treated the officers with coarse insult when they presumed to approach him & press their wishes & wants upon him in any way. As an honest & faithful soldier of the Republic, I feel to Enter my indignant protest against such treatment from any officer, no matter who! And Especially in the matter of my pay. After due Service to my beloved country has been faithfully performed. Of Course you are Entirely blameless in the Case, I only allude to it here as an aggravation of the trials I have to Endure in Consequence of being kept out of my pay so long. - May I not anticipate relief at your hands? I have the honor to be sir,

Your most Obt. Servt.

Joseph T. Cook Chaplain 139th Ills. I. Vols

Abstract & return

Cook Jas. T.

Geneseo Ill Nov 18/64

Was mustered out as Chaplain of 139th Rgt at Peoria by Lieut Jas A Hall, who refused him a certificate of non-indebtedness, on account of which he cant draw any pay. Thinks the officer did wrong & should be reprimanded &c.

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