Sarah E. Henshaw to Richard Yates

Ottawa July 7th 1864

Governor Yates

Dear Sir

At the risk of wearing out even your patience, I take the liberty of asking one more kindness from you---only one, the last of all.

It is this. That if you see no objection (there may be some that I am not acquainted with) you will request President Lincoln to issue an order to the Reviewing Authorities of the Deptment of the Ohio, that they shall, in case their decision is adverse to my husband, send the Record to him, and stay proceedings until further orders.

The President knows about the case from Judge Norton---our personal friend as well as Representative, and promised Judge Norton "most cheerfully" before the adjournment of Congress, that he would take this very action if necessary. The Record has now been in the hands of the reviewing Authorities about ten days. Judge Norton is about writing to claim the fulfillment of the President's promise, and what I am anxious for, is, your endorsement also, of the request. I have so often

trespassed upon you, that I will not prolong this letter, except to say how I am, always,

Very gratefully Yours,

Sarah E. Henshaw

The Battery boys were getting up another petition to you, and had it nearly ready to send. It contained the Hundred and Twenty names. For safety, they deposited it with the Post Quarter-master. In his absence, the First Lieut of the Battery obtained access to his Office, ransacked the papers, and found and copied this petition, designing to Court Martial or imprison all who had signed it, but found that it included nearly every member of the Battery. The Post Quarter-master is now about preferring charges against the First Lieut (Putnam) on this account and others. A letter came last evening to our County Treasurer, giving this information. O my dear Governor! Those boys cannot make their earnest views reach you, but I know you will lift up yours in their behalf, all the more strongly because they are so [environned?], and so helpless.

Henshaw Sarah E.

Ottawa Ills July 7th 1864

Wishes the Governor to request President Lincoln to issue an order to the Reviewing authorities of Dept of Ohio, that they shall in case their decision is adverse to her husband, send the record to him

Answered Aug 10 1864

and wrote " "

to President requesting him to have papers carefully examined and allow Capt. H. opportunity of establishing his innocence.

Loomis

ADC

Copy rply for [illegible]