Richard Yates to D. F. Burlow

                                                                                State of Illinois
                                                                                          Executive Department
                                                                                  Springfield May 9th 1864

 B.D.F. Burlow Esq.
         Peoria Ills
          Sir:

               Your letter of the 20th of April was just brought to my notice.  I returned from Washington last week after an absence of a month.  I am not aware that anybody is authorized to solicit contributions for the hospitals at Camp Yates and Butler and can not find but that any person has given such authority.

Everything possible, I am assured, is done by the authorities to make the hospitals as comfortable as possible. In addition to the regular provisions made by the Army regulations

a fund is provided at such a Post which is paid from Butlers licenses & c. to provide for such articles as are not furnished by the Government. I am unhappily not in a condition to contribute from the funds of the State for these institutions as the Treasurer still refuses to disburse the appropriations made by the Legislature, a part of which was intended for just such purposes. The philantropic citizens of Springfield together with the State Sanitary Board, do all that is possible to alleviate any suffering which may exist. There will be some grumblers in every hospital, but I believe that the patients are well cared for. - Some time ago, some complaints were made about the condition of the hospitals at Camp Yates and I promptly appointed a commission of investigation. This was some 4 months ago, when the camp was very

full, and the commission found some of the complaints well founded. The investigation had a most salutary effect and I have heard no complaints since. You may rest assured that I will leave nothing undone to alleviate the sufferings of our sick soldiers as much as may be in my power, and as long as I am supported so nobly by the People of the State. I know I will not fail in making them in most cases as comfortable as possible.

                                       Very Respectfully Yours,
                                              Richd Yates    
                                                      Governor  

P.S. Your letter has been referred to Brig. Genl. Julius White who has charge of the Recruiting Camps, for further information on the subject, a copy of which will be furnished to you on receipt . R.Y.

Copy Gov. Yates

   to
 B.D.F. Burlow,
 Peoria

About condition of Hospital, at Camp Yates

 Butler