B. D. T. Bourland to Richard Yates

Peoria April 20. 1864,

Gov Richard Yates

Governor of Illinois.

Dear Sir.

A man has recently been here soliciting aid for the Soldiers Hospital at Springfield, and represents the State of things in those Hospitals as anything but creditable to the State & nation and in the highest degree disgraceful to the Citizens of the State Capital. The man claimed to be Employed in one of the Hospitals & Authorized to solicit aid by those in charge.

The people of the city & county have done something for the soldiers of the Republic and are still able and willing to do more They are unwilling to to know that loyal soldiers and especially Union Soldiers are languishing and dying right under the eaves of their own State house because there is no eye to pity and no arm Stretched forth to soothe or

relieve their sufferings. This in a population wealthy to repletion among whom are multitudes who have "made fortunes out of the War" but in the inventory of whose profits are found no musket shot wounds no camp fever, no Dairrhea.

I am commissioned by Mrs Curlenius President of the Laides Loyal League of Peoria to write Gov Yates, and ask him if these things were so. They may not be. The man may be an imposter but we think not. he seems honest we think him so. and want to help if necessary

Yours Truly

(Sgt) B D T Bourland

Official Copy

Chas. W. Ken

1st Lieut A A A Genl

Peoria April 20 - 1864

B. D. T. Bourland

Wishes to know if a man who is soliciting aid for Soldiers Hospital at Springfield and representing same as in a neglected condition is an authorized agent.

Office Supt. of Hospitals, Springfield Ills May 10th 1864

Respectfully referred to Surgeon in charge of General Hospital Camp Butler Ills. for the information required.

H. B. Buell, Asst. Surgeon USA of Supt of Hospls

Rec H, 2, D. R. May 9, 1864

U.S.A General Hospital Camp Butler Ills., May 10th. 1864

Respectfully returned This Hospital has no authorized agents. All sanitary stores needed for the use of the sick are procured from the Ill State San Com through Col John R Woods Cor Scty Ill State San Com.

The Hospital has an ample fund which is expended in the purchase of articles required for the comfort of the sick. The supply of food and luxuries is abundant, and the diet for the sick is prepared by competent Cooks under the supervision and with the assistance of an ample Corps of faithful Female Nurses.

All deficiencies of Sanitary Stores are promptly supplied by the Ill State S Com upon application.

Wm Sturgis, A. A. Surgeon USA, In charge General Hospital

216 A 442

Hd Qrs. D. Rendezvous, Springfield May 11, 1864

Respectfully returned to His Excellency Gov. Yates whose attention is invited to the above endorsement

Julius White, Brig Gen. Comdg

State of Illinois, Executive Department, Springfield May 9th 1864

Respectfully referred to Brig Genl Julius White, who is respectfully requested to furnish such information as may be in his possession concerning the condition of hospitals and treatment of patients at Camp Butler & Yates.

Please return this letter.

By order of his Excellcy Gov. Yates S. Hirshbach, Col & AdeC.

Hd. Qus. Inft, [Ready?]

Springfield Ills. May 10th/64

Respectfully referred to Asst. Surg. Buck. These papers to be returned with report.

By order of Brig. Gen. J. White, Chas. D. Ken, 1st Lt. A. A. A. Gen.