Mrs. Thomas Milligan to Richard Yates

Mt Liberty Ohio Jan 18th 1864 His Excellency Michael Yates, Gov. of Ill. Honorable Sir Your kindness I feel assured will prompt you to pardon me for encrouching upon your valuable time. Dear Sir, I am in great perplexity & distress and I implore your assistance. I wish to learn something in reference to the whereabouts of my husband Thomas Milligan. You are personally acquainted with I think. He has been engaged in recruiting & arresting deserters in Ill since June last under orders; I suppose from Springfield as he took his recruits to Camp Butler. In November he wrote me from Camp Douglas stating he had arrived there a week previous and had been immediately detailed to sit on a general court martial then in session. He expected to be relieved in a few days and should then start for Ohio to make us a visit if not prevented by his superiors. He had been recruiting for Gen. Farnsworth who had been authorized to raise several regiments of Cavalry. He also wrote me he should take command of a company or some office under Farnsworth. The last letter I received from him was dated Nov 20th and written at Camp Douglas. Since that time I have heard nothing of him. I have telegraphed to the Commanding Officer at Camp Douglas and have made enquiries in various directions. I [illegible] I entreat your Excellency to assist me. I think I have an idea at least something of an idea of the arduous task your office imposes upon you and believe me if I had known of any other course to pursue that [illegible] [illegible] I should not have troubled you with my grievous tale. Permit me to hear from your Excellency as soon as convenient. Please pardon and overlook my presumption. Yours with high regard Mrs. Thos. Milligan

His Excellency Richard Yates, Gov.

Milligan. Mrs. Thos: Mt. Liberty. Ohio. Jany 18. 1864

Entreats to be informed of the whereabouts of her husband who was engaged in recruiting and arresting deserters in this state. Executive Office Springfield Feb 6'64 Respectfully referred to Lt. Col Oakes Asst. Pro M. Ills with request for information of Thos. Milligan if he has been engaged in arresting deserters or otherwise under orders of his Department Rich. Yates Governor

Executive Office Feb 2, 1864