Charles S. Boyd to Richard Yates

Mound City, Ills.

June 17th./62

To His Excellency--

Richard Yates . Governor of Illinois,

Sir:--

I would call your attention to the fact, that I have been a citizen of the State of Illinois, for several years, residing in Richland County.--that I moved to Mound City, with my family, the 19th of March, 1862. & entered into contract the same day, as one of the citizen physicians to the U. S. General Hospital. Today--I offered my vote--"Against New Constitution," which was rejected by two of the Judges, (Thos Kirk, & W. O. Watts.) upon the ground of my being in Government employ, & consequently not entitled to the rights of citizenship. Two weeks ago- I voted here - at the municipal election. Judge Kirk then decided that I was a citizen. (I voting for him.) but the same man, (Kirk) now deciding that I am not a citizen.--Again, an employee, in this Hospital, who came here since I have, was allowed to vote--he voting for the constitution. And again, as I am informed, fifteen U. S. soldiers were told they could vote for "New Constitution," but after ascertaining they would all vote against it, the judges suddenly discovered that soldiers had not the right of suffrage. We would also state--that W. O. Watts, one of the acting judges, has his family in Kentucky, & that they removed there more than six months ago, & by many he has not been

considered a citizen of this state, since last winter, & yet--he voted. If it is necessary--we can give the names of parties here alluded to- we can make affidavit as to the truth of our assertion. We then ask:- Shall citizens of Illinois be disfranchised by political tricksters, because they do their country service, & choose to have a thinking mind of their own? Shall every knave stand at the polls, & dictate to freemen--who shall exercise the rights of citizenship? - Now, Sir, I desire to have you lay this before the proper authorities, & have my note recorded against an infamous measure. In my opinion - had I voted for the "New Constitution," my vote would have been received. As the election has been conducted in Mound City, this day--it is a fraud upon the rights of citizens of Illinois, --upon free-born Americans.--A copy of this communication has been furnished the judges.

Respectfully Yours,

Charles Boyd, M. D.

We the undersigned contract physicians of the U. S. General Hospital, of Mound City, have reason to believe the above statement to be correct. Our votes were also rejected by the same judges.

John C. Morton, M. D.

S. M. Pratt, M. D.

Dr Chas Boyd Mound City. June 17. 1862

with certificate from Drs Morton & Pratt

Moved to said place with Family, but they would not let him vote, against the "New Constitution." but perhaps could of voted "for it--"

Ans July 25

Judge-- This man must be answered some way--can't he have civil remedy by Judges.