Samuel C. Parks to Richard Yates

Lincoln, March 2nd, 1863.

Governor Yates

Dear Sir

A few months since you stated in a letter to me that you would receive any suggestions I might make to you kindly I wish to make two one of a public & one of a private nature

And 1st it seems to me that something ought to be done to put a stop to the numerous desertions that are thinning the ranks of the 106th & many other Illinois Regiments In addition to the usual causes of desertion which exist in all armies & in all wars there appear to be two which are now operating among the Illinois Troops, to wit: Some real dissatisfaction exists on account of the Emancipation Proclamation & on account of the delay in paying the soldiers And 2nd a great deal of dissatisfaction is created by the letters, speeches, papers, conversations &c of those sneaking Northern traitors who are two cowardly to enter the Confederate army & fight boldly for the enemies of their Country but who prefer to ruin our army by seducing our soldiers

from their duty by every out & by promising to protect them against any force that may be sent to reclaim them

Would it not be well for you to issue a Proclamation to the Army & to the people reciting the facts, promising the soldiers redress so far as possible for all real grievances, appealing to the patriotism & pride of all, cautioning the Army against the arts of designing men who under the guise of friends are their worst enemies, & warning them of the certain ruin they will bring upon themselves by deserting either openly & directly or which is much more common/ under pretense of being taken prisoners & paroled & by refusing to return to their Regiments & defying and resisting the Government &c If the objection should occur that this would be publishing to the world that there was a bad state of things existing in our Army the answer is that the world knows it now Some of your Proclamations have had a good effect whether such a one as above indicated would be prudent or not you can judge better than I If you should do any thing of the kind I hope you will improve the occasion

to lash the miserable wretches who are engaged in pursuading our soldiers to desert as with a whip of scorpions

The other matter about which I wish to say a few words is this In the 2nd Regiment Illinois Cavalry 2 Captains have been promoted over the head of Captain [Sarison?] of this County He & some of his friends think that one reason for this is the opposition that was made by some of us here to your nomination for Governor & they found this opinion partly upon something said by yourself Now I wish to say that in my opinion whatever opposition there may have been to you in this County has been more than conquered by the determined energy with which since you have been Governor you have combatted this infernal Rebellion & that in this matter of promotions & appointments in this County you are not dealing with your enemies but with those who would be your friends You are master of the situation now & I do not pretend to say that the good will of Capt. Sarison & his friends is now or

ever will be a matter of much importance to you But you will allow me to suggest with perfect respect that I doubt whether it is either just or politic to slight the claims of a brave & loyal & determined Officer without some good reason There may be some such reason & if there is of course no man has any right to complain

Very Respectfully Yours

Saml. C. Parks.

[vertically written on same page for filing purposes]

Samuel C Parks

Lincoln March 2d 1863.

Suggests that something ought to be done to put a stop to the numerous desertions in the army. thinks there is some real dissatisfaction in regard to pay and the Emancipation proclamation. Says the Gov has promoted two Captains over the head of Capt [Sarison?] of his county and does not think it just to slight the claims of brave officers without some good reason. says there may have been some good reason and if so no one can complain.

File

Deserters