B. Woodward to Richard Yates

Depot Hospital

Camp Cairo Oct 11, 1861

Hon Richard Yates

Sir

When in accordance with your request, I came to Cairo - Dr J Simons was absent, but when he returned three days afterwards, I learned, that what he wanted of the "five surgeons" asked for through Col Wallace, was to place them as assistants in hospitals, without rank or rations, at $100 pr month. As Dr Burke the Surgeon of this Hospital was sick, he requested me to take charge of it for the present, to which I assented, in hopes a Regiment might offer. Though Dr Burke was recieving 280 dolls pr month as Brigade Surgeon, I can only get 100 for the same services. As no Regiment offers here, may I ask of you to give me a Regiment if in your power? I have

refrained from troubling your Excellency, because of the press of business demanding your attention, and would not do so now did I know any other course to pursue. I have no claims for any appointment, but such as my professional standing gives me, but if you should see fit to interest yourself in my behalf, twenty years of past devotion to my profession is the pledge I offer, that no interest shall suffer by my appointment.

Would if Sir be possible to give me a commission in my present situation and then of a Regt offered, take its charge? I leave it all with you Sir, with the assurance that whatever you do in the premises, will be done for the best

I have the honor to be

Your Obt Servt

B. Woodward.

B. Woodward.

About appointment as Surgeon

answered.