M. R. Butz to Richard Yates

Liberty Ills. Dec 16 1864

His Excellency)

Richard Yates)

Gov. of Ills)

Dr Sir & Friend,

I write requesting a favor of you, if you can consistently render it. The case is this: John C. Ham, son of Wm & Mary Ham, a young boy, nineteen years old, a noble soldier member of Co. D. 50th Reg. Ills. [Vet.?] Vol. was severely wounded, in the gallant defense of Allatoona Ga. on the 5th day of October 1864, and is now in Ward E., Jefferson Barracks, St. Louis Mo.

It is his desire that he should be transferred to one of the Hospitals in Quincy Ills. Being young and inexperienced

I have no doubt such removal would be of great benefit to him. There are three brothers of theirs in the service, and the parents feel that you are a true friend to the soldier and therefore you sympathize with them in their sacrifices for Liberty and Union. Hence they feel their appeal will not be in vain.

We are taught to minister to the relief of the distressed in every condition of life. Let us there for as brothers in one common family do our utmost to alleviate the sufferings of humanity especially our noble soldiers. If you could possibly procure the transfer asked, you would oblige a true friend and supporter.

Yours fraternally

M. R. Butz

Butz M. R.

Liberty Dec. 16/64

Wants John Ham of 50th Regt promoted