E. D. Townsend to Richard Yates

Adjutant General's Office,

Washington, D.C. Nov'r 3th 1863

Sir,

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 5th Ultg requesting that authority may be granted to the Surgeons in charge of the U.S. Hospitals in Illinois, to furlough a reasonable percentage of the sick and wounded soldiers, who require leave of absence to improve their health.

I am instructed to inform you that the system of granting furloughs, extensively, to soldiers sick in General Hospitals, has resulted injuriously to the service, as they are separated from their Regiments, for indefinite periods; many remaining absent upon frivolous pretexts, or dishonest certificates long after expiration of furlough, or restoration to health.

It is not, therefore, deemed expedient to grant furloughs to convalescent soldiers, except in extreme cases, where change of location is required to expedite recovery; in such cases application should be made to this Office through the usual Military channel by the Surgeon in charge of the Hospital.

I am, Sir, Very Respectfully

Your Obedient Servant

E.D. Townsend

Mst. Adjutant General

His Excellency

Gov'r Richard Yates

Springfield, Ills.

War Department

Washington Nov 6, 1863.

The system of granting furloughs extensively to soldiers sick in General Hospitals, has resulted injuriously to the service. It is not deemed expedient to grant furloughs except in extreme cases - application should be made through the surgeon in charge of hospital.

Executive Office Nov 11, 63.