Thomas Bowman to Richard Yates

Oct 22nd 1863

His Exc Gov. Yates,

Dear Sir:

Pardon the liberty I take in trespassing upon your valuable time. But I am sure your kind and patriotic heart will excuse in a case like this.

A friend, in this place, has a brother, belonging to the "Waterhouse Battery", of your state, who has been very sick for some time past, and is now confined in the Hospital at Madison of this state. A younger brother, in the same battery, died a few weeks since in St. Louis or some other place in Mo. The

friends desire a furlough for the sick man, that he may go home to revive his health. His parents live in Michigan and are old and infirm. The loss of one son and the sickness of this one, have very much broken them. The young man has been in the company from its formation and was through all the Engagements before Vicksburg. He does not desire to be discharged; but to have time enough at home to get well. If you can do any thing in this case, it will be most gratefully received. We do not know what other course to pursue to accomplish this end, or we would not trouble you, pressed, as we know, with so many cases.

The young man is Wm. D. Mershon, corporal in the Watterhouse Battery of Chicago. We do not know where the Battery is, but, as before state, Mr. Mershon is now in Madison, Ind. - Personally I have no interest in the case more than others who love our country and sympathize with those who are suffering or whose friends are in trouble. I am happy to believe that I address one whose heart is right in this great struggle and who delights to do what he can for our brave soldiers.

Yours Truly,

Thos Bowman

Sir

Dr Bowman is the President of I. A. University. Any statement he may make to you you may reply in with compleat confidence. [illegible signature] U.S. State Atty Oct 34/63.

Bowman Thos

Greeencastle Ind Oct 22 63

Wishes a furlough for Wm Mershon corporal in the Waterhouse Battery and confined to Hospital at Madison Ind - His brother died in St. Louis a few weeks ago and his aged parents are very much distressed.

State of Illinois

Executive Depart

Springfield Nov 4 1863

Respectfully referred to [J. C. McCoy?] Esq Illinois State [illegible] [illegible] Louisville, Ky with the request that he assist Mr Mershon to obtain a furlough. Please endorse your action hereon and return.

Rich Yates Governor

Executive Office Oct 31 63

I visited Madison saw Mr. Mershon. The surgeon in charge would not recommend for furlough: but Mr Mershon was examined & recommended for Discharge, he desiring to be discharged. Ought to have been Discharged long ago.

J. C. McCoy