Helen O. Willard to Richard Yates

Ladoga P. O. FonduLac Co. Wisconsin

Dec. 10. 1861.

To the Governor of the State of Illinois

Mr. Yates:

My brother Marcus B. Willard, on the 9th of last May, enlisted in the 16th Illinois regiment. Since that time we have heard from him directly but once. and his friends in this vicinity are very anxious on this account.

What I wish to know is if that regiment was only organized for three months, and if so, was it reorganized at the expiration of that time, under the same colonel. I would like, also, to ascertain the killed sick and wounded of that regiment. We of Wisconsin can learn the particulars with regard to our own state's regiments, but find it difficult to ascertain the whereabouts of others. We have searched the papers, and have traced the 16th as far as the battle of Lexington, and have seen nothing farther about it.

You see what we need. Will you please inform us in what we wish to know, or direct us, so that we may gain such information, in doing which you will receive the sincere gratitude of Brother's friends.

Yours Very Respectfully,

Helen O. Willard.

Helen O. Willard

Wisconsin Dec 10

Requesting information of her brothers whereabouts

Ansd Dec 25 /61

Send the information