William A. French to Richard Yates

Sparta March 16/63

Honorable Rich'd Yates

Sir

Being Here Wounded and just able to be out with the Help of Crutches. being one of the unfortunate one's of the first Day's fighting before Murfreesboro Tenn.

My Object in presuming to write and trespass upon your Valuable time is to state that there are several Deserter's in this county from the 30th 80th & 81st Ill's Infty. who have been induced to return home through the influence of the K. G. C. who have sworn to protect them from Arrest or its Consequences and as the traitors are numoris

and openly avow their traitorous sentiments and defy the Govern Authorities.

they have an Organ which they support to publish their Doctrin. a copy of which I send you for your judgement as their are no Military law in force. if it is possible that Civil law Can possibly reach the publication of such an infamous sheet openly and publickly

Yours Truly

M. A. French Cap't.

Co. I. 22nd Regt. Ills. Inft

Wm A French

Capt. Co I 27th Regt Ill V.

Sparta March 16th 63

Is at home wounded says there are a number of deserters in his county from the 30th & 81st Regts thinks they should be arrested

Dis.

Recd Ex O March 18 1863.