William Peck to Richard Yates

U.S.S. "Red Rover," Mound City, Ill., Feb. 6, 1865. Hon. Richard Yates: Dear Sir,_Permit to intrude upon your attention for the purpose of making the following statement:_I enlisted in the 72nd Illinois Infantry (under Captain, now Col. Holbrook,) on the 9th or 10th of January, 1864, to serve for the term of THREE years. After serving about three months in the above Regiment, I was transferred to the Navy, and signed the books on the Receiving Ship at Cairo on the 20th of April, 1864. At the time of enlistment in the Army I was promised a VETERAN Bounty of $402;- of this sum I received $100; the remainder was to be paid in equal installments. One of the terms of my transfer to the Navy was that in case I should be a participant in Prize Money, no part of the Bounty above mentioned was to be paid me,_that is the REMAINING bounty. Since leaving the Army I have been able to gain no information in regard to the Order under which I was transferred to the Navy, or as to what my just rights are in the premises. I came into the Navy almost in the condition of a new recruit: Nothing was said as to what disposition would be made of my bounty money, how long I would be required to serve, and, strangest of all, now regular discharge was given me from the Army. Besides I am informed that the THREE months I served in the Army WILL NOT be allowed to count as a part of my term of service in the Navy. The authorities here seemed to be ignorant of my identity, and enquired from what State I came; and other questions of a similar nature were asked. Thus the matter stands; and I have thought it prudent to make the facts of the case known to you, in order that it may be righted, if possible. I believe that the Regulations require that I should receive a regular discharge from the Army, and that some more definite arrangement should be made in regard to the Bounty Money; - but I am most strenuous as to the Army discharge. I should also desire that the THREE months' service in the Army should be credited to my term of enlistment. I respectfully request that you will give the information asked for; and as I am a sailor, and have been a soldier, from the State of Illinois, humbly beg that this matter may be thoroughly investigated, and that my just rights may be maintained. Your obdt Sev't, William [Peek?] Please direct answer to Wm. [Peek?], U.S.S. "Red Rover," Mifs Sgd., Mound City, Ill N.P.

Peck William U.S.S. "Red Rover" Mound City, Jan'y 29/65 Wants assistance to obtain Bounty coming to him.