F. A. Bartleson to A. C. Fuller

Joliet, Ills June 11th

Hon A C Fuller Adj Gen

Dear Sir -

Having been at home some weeks from the loss of an arm at Shiloh, I have been frequently called upon, as I wrote before, by soldiers desirous of rejoining their regiments as to the means of getting back, and I have been so impressed with the necessity of some general rule, well understood, that I hope it will not be considered presumptuous in me to make some suggestions -

Our army from sickness, discharges &c is sensibly decreasing, and not the least cause is the fact of soldiers finding how difficult it is to return, gradually neglect to make efforts to do so. It can hardly be expected that the generality of soldiers are so anxious to return that they will raise money, even if they are able to pay their way. It affords a good excuse to remain at home. In every county you will find a large number, who have put off their uniform and are working on farms &c - A great many, who have been absent two months or more, are expecting their discharges in accordance with an order sometime ago

published. Of course that applied only to soldiers who were not convalescent at the expiration of two months. But the soldiers did not so understand it, and if they did, it was very easy to get a certificate of some irresponsible or friendly physician, as to their disability. As a consequence of this, I feel sure that there are a great many, expecting their discharges, who have been reported by their company commanders as deserters. The order of Gen Halleck, directing the quartermaster to furnish transportation upon the certificate of a post surgeon, I am informed by soldiers who have been to Chicago for that purpose, works this way - The surgeon at Chicago gives a certificate to be presented to the master of transportation at St. Louis. But the trouble is to get to St. Louis. Of course there is no difficulty in getting transportation when once there.

It seems to me that it would be better to have in each county, a surgeon and a superintendent (combined perhaps in one person) upon whom shall be the responsibility of examining soldiers and furnishing transportation. Being responsible and known he will give certificates when they are needed only. Being acquainted in the county he will be able to keep an eye on the absent soldier. It is a hardship upon the sol-

dier to compel him to go to Chicago. But it will be comparatively easy for the soldier to go to the county seat. In every county there can be found patriotic men, who will be willing for a trifling compensation to take charge of it. The number of men Illinois has in the field would justify it. and the rule would work still better, if it should remain unchangeable, so that no soldier could be mistaken about it. Our present army having been made before the regulations so to speak, one of the most difficult things is to advise soldiers with safety as to any given rule, for what is an order to-day, is revoked to-morrow, and no man unless he is in constant receipt of the orders, knows how to act or advise. One old soldier drilled is worth to the government two new recruits, and we ought to keep all the old ones in, if possible -

Hoping this will be considered in the spirit with which it is intended -

I remain

Yours with respect

F A Bartleson

Maj 20th Ills Inf

Maj. F. A. Bartleson

Joliet, Ill,

June 11/62.

A great many soldiers in Ills away from their regiments - find it difficult to get transportation - Suggests that a superintending Surgeon be appointed in every County to examine & furnish transportation

Ansd June 13/62

Enclosing circular Letter "[illegible] embracing order No. 27.

A.G.O. June 12/62,