John R. Woods to Richard Yates

General Head-Quarters, State of Illinois,

ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE.

Sanitary Department.

Springfield, May 27th, 1864.

His Excellency Richard Yates

Governor of Illinois

Sir

I beg leave to copy the following extract from a circular issued Feb. 15. 1864 by James B. Fry. Provost Marshal General.

"2. Where Recruiting Officers are within reach of any of the "posts encampments or Soldier's Rests or other place of accommodations "provided for Soldiers by the Government or by the public they shall "avail themselves of these for subsisting and lodging their men."

From the 25th day of April to the present date, Ten hundred and seventy five (1075) U S Soldiers have been accommodated at the Soldiers House in this City. For the subsistence of these men, seventeen hundred and fifty rations (1750) rations have been drawn from the Commissary, and Three thousand nine hundred and fifty one (3951) meals have been furnished.

The War. General Commissary, and General Quarter Masters Departments have been respectfully applied to for such favors and assistance as they have extended to Soldier's Rest at Chicago. The Secretary of War has responded by refusing

to detail the men we selected as assistants. From the other Departments no answer has been received, altho some two weeks have elapsed.

Your Excellency should know that all the rations we have drawn have been authorised by Genl White of the Dft Rendezvous of this city, who is responsible to the Government and will have to pay for these, unless a special order for their allowance can be obtained from the President or Commissary General.

Of course the Sanitary Commission will not let the Genl. suffer. But, after what has been done by the Citizens, and by the Commission, involving much outlay and a a great deal of hard work to take care of its Soldiers, it would seem to be as little as the Government ought to do to furnish the House with what commissary Stores are needed for the men. And this must be done, if this good work is to be continued. The Commission comes to you, and very respectfully asks your interference and influence in its behalf. It is believed that your Excellency can so present the claims of the Home to the proper Authorities at Washington, as to prevail on them to place it on a footing with similar establishments. And the undersigned would suggest that Col John S. Loomis' A.D.C. be directed to prepare a paper setting forth the foregoing facts for your approval, and transmission to President Lincoln.

Col Loomis can be supplied with

additional particulars if wanted, but which I did not feel at liberty to trouble you with.

I need only add that this matter is of importance to the Commission, and soliciting your early attention to it.

I have the honor to be With great respect Your Obet Servt.

John R Woods, Secy. Ills. San. Com.

Woods. Col John R., Springfield. Ills, May 27, 1864

Reports the working of the "Soldier's Home." from the 25th April to date, with the number of rations drawn from the Commis and the numbers of meals distributed.

Urged Govr to use his influence with the Govermt on behalf of the "home" that Such Commiss Stores may be Supplied as are needed. &c.