D. E. Carson to Richard Yates

Bloomington Dec. 11th

Gov. Yates

The apology due you for thus intruding myself upon your time and attention, you will find in the statement which, after long hesitation I have concluded to make - trusting to the noble and generous impulses of your nature for pardon should the liberty I am taking be unwarrantable and the request I make unreasonable --- I am unused to beg - for scarce anything else would I --

My husband Delos Carson enlisted in the U.S. service about Oct. 28th 1862 in the 3rd Ills. Cavalry - Co. I.

He served as private until some time in November or December of the following year when he recruited and was commissioned Captain of Battery D. 1st Alabama Heavy Artillery (Colored) -- afterwards 6th U. S. Heavy Artillery -- a part of which regiment you are aware helped make up the garrison at Fort Pillow - April last--

My Husband was of the number who survived the battle to be cruelly murdered after laying down his arms - for proof of which I beg leave to refer you to the published report of the Investigating Committee upon the conduct of the war &.c.

His body was placed in a coffin & [illegible] so that I could have it removed to this place - The season has arrived when I could best have it done & my greatest desire is to have it accomplished -- Leaving home - his business was sacrificed -- He served faithfully & well never leaving his post for once to visit even me ---

I have supported myself & child by teaching thus far - but my salary is too small (and I have received nothing from Government yet) to allow me the means of defraying the expense of a trip to the Fort & back with my husbands body -- a vacation occurs in our school between the 22nd of this & the 7th of next month. Could you among your constant acts of mercy and generosity give me a pass so that during my vacation I may accomplish that which next to my country's salvation is my intensest desire --- In giving my husband - I gave my all -- a costly sacrifice - if he had met his fate other [illegible] wise I might have felt a free one --- I address you upon this subject because you have shown yourself so preeminently the friend of the soldier & the unfortunate -- I might refer you to Kersey Fell or Judge Davis in regard to this statement -- Begging pardon for

occupying your time to such an extent & praying that you will consider my petition I close

Gratefully and Truly

Your Humbl Servant

Mrs. D. E. Carson

Bloomington Ills.

Carson Mrs D. E

Bloomington Dec 11/64

In reference to her husband in the army.

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