John C. Williams to Richard Yates

                                 [Dec 19 1864]

 This certifies that John C. William of this town, who reports himself to me as a member of Company C. 8th Ill. Cavalry, and who was in the service from the formations of the regiment for 18 months, or there abouts, States that he was disabled by acute Rheumatism and after a long period in the hospital, attained his discharge on that account.  

 I have been the Medical attendant of the Said William for the past eight months, seeing him frequently.  He has during that time suffered severly from Rheumatism, rendering him incapable of walking a part of the time, and only with a staff or crutches at other times

The feet and ancles have been constantly Effected, and a part of the time his arms also, so that he is incapable of following any of the ordinary pursuits of life.

                      J. H. Nutting M. D. 

                Fulton Ill.  Dec 16, 1864.

                Fulton Dec 19- 1864

                       White Side Co Ill

Hon Gov. YateS

                   Dear Sir

                             Enclosed you will find the DoctorS certificate of my diSability to help mySelf, I don't wish to beg, all I aSk iS Some meanS to obtain medical aid, and medcine, I want to try and get well, So aS to help MySelf, If you can in anyway help, So that I may be able to obtain Some meanS, I Shall be Sir Your Very Obdt, Sevt.

                                          Jno, B. William

            Fulton Dec 19- 1864

                     White Side Co. Ill

Hon Gov YateS

                   Dear Sir

                             Enclosed you will find the DoctorS certificate of my diSability to help mySelf, I don't wish to beg, all I aSk iS Some meanS to obtain medical aid, and medcine, I want to try and get well, So aS to help MySelf, If you can in anyway help, So that I may be able to obtain Some meanS, I Shall be Sir Your Very Obdt, Sevt,

                                               Jno, B. William

(Comment here is not a part of letter.) The third page is repeated and we are missing the Governors reply. Also surname of soldier is William, not Williams.)