E. S. Fowler to Richard Yates

Springfield Mar 8th/1865

Dear Govr,

I have a very particular favor I want to ask you to attend to for me = It is one in which I feel personally very much interested and hence I ask you to attend to it for me at once = It is this; My brotherinlaw Dr. Wm M Gray surgeon of the 60 Ill Regt Vol has been in active field service about 3 1/2 years and from exposure and hard labor has contracted a disease of the kidneys which renders him unfit for field duty and which would endanger his life = He has a family dependant upon him and does not desire to quit the service, but wants a position at some post, hospital or garrisen in the loyal States as near his home (Peoria Ills) as possible = an assistant surgeon has today been sent to his regiment, he [illegible] being absent on sick leave = I inclose the papers to you asking that you will see at once the Sec of War and have him put to some good place = I wish you would communicate directly with him at Peoria as his time of leave will soon expire = Please also return the inclosed papers to him as they will be of value to him, particularly the surgeons certificate = If you will be kind enough to attend to this promptly I am satisfied you can effect it, and I will be very happy to return the favor at any time and always =

Please telegraph the Dr. at Peoria as soon as you see the Sec of War = I may be in Washington in a very short time and will hunt you up Your friend

Very truly

E. S. Fowler ----

E S Fowler

Springfield, Illinois

to

Senator Yates

Asks to have Dr. Wm M Gray Surgeon of the 60th Illinois Vols transferred to some post near home as he is diseased so as to be unable to do field duty. Address Gray at Peoria and return papers to him. See the Secy of War in his behalf. Will be in Washington soon