Sarah E. Henshaw to Richard Yates

with copy of Endorsement on Proceedings of a G. C. M. Convened at Knoxville, Tenn. May. 10, 1864 (9/21/64)

Ottawa Jan 6th 1865.

Gov Yates -

My dear Sir.

I was so rejoiced at our triumph in your successful candidacy for the Senatorship, that I almost forgot the clouds which have again gathers around my own hearth-stone.

I have begged Mr Bushnell to hand you this, and to ask your yet further protection for me and mine. Some enemy has finally prevailed against us, and Gen Schofield has resorted to the unusual step of reversing the Decision of his own Judge Advocate Genl whose decisions at Washington, I have been told by persons officially informed, are considered and highly respected, as those of a talented and conscientious officer. I enclose his Decision, to Mr Bushnell, who will show it to you.

My husband is so amazed and indignant that he leaves all action to me. I shall appeal to the President. I beg your help. O Gov Yates! - you have been a friend to me through all this sore trial - and now, in the hour of your hightest and most deserved triumph, I feel sure you will not forget me when I cry to you, as I do, from the depths of an aginized heart. I ask you to write to the President asking his interposition, and to forward the letter to me. Judge Norton will present them and be my advocate. And I beg, I entreat you to care for my distress, and to do anything else not suggested by me.

which your wisdom may make you think of, and my ignorance may overlook. I cannot, I will not submit to this injustice without doing all in my power to evert it. I shall beseige you - and the President - and Heaven itself. I cannot I will not have it so help me! - do not get tired of me! prays

yours truly and respectfully

Sarah E. Henshaw

As I write I gather courage, and conclude to send you the Decision direct. May I beg you to examine it closely, and to remember that although it was as you will see addressed to Capt Curtis, it never reached him until he found it by accident in the office of some official - and when it did come to him, which was only five days ago, it came in the form of an order made out - signed by Gen Schofield - and adverse to us. Captis Curtiss himself informs me of these facts, and writes to prepare me for the worst he being a friend of my husband's. There has been a fraud somewhere.

And I beg, I entreat you to have any new Commissions for the Lieutenants of the Battery prevented, until we have time to hear from the President.

Please notice that Maj Burnett says the sentence of the Court cannon legally be carried out. How can it then be done?

Henshaw Sarah E

Ottawa Jan 6 65

Congratulats you on Election to the Senate & pray you to help her

Hon Richd Yates.

Springfield -

Ills -

Fard - by Hon W. Bushnell.