Gilead Shaw to Richard Yates

Camp Near Corinth Mass

Aug. 10th. 1862.

Gov Yates

Dear sir.

Your favor came duly to hand for which I am under great obligations to you. I went to see the Quartermaster and the Paymaster at Corinth, but they were both gone.

The Quartermasters office is in St. Louis. My friends think I had better get you to procure my discharge, and give me a position in some of the new regiments that are being formed in Illinois. Our Major advised me to write to you, and procure a position if it could be done.

I have two reasons that prompt me to seek a position at this time. One is my circumstances require that I should hold a position that will pay me more

than a privates pay. The other is on account of a mercurial affection of the limbs. I do not believe I will be able to march and carry, knapsack, gun and other accoutrements a soldier has to carry again. I would accept of a Lieut. Cols. or Majors position, or a Lieutenancy, in some Company. I would not seek any position, if I thought I was not competent to fill it. Our regiment I understand has been changed to the 66th Illinois. If true, there will probably be some vacancies in it soon, but, if anything can be accomplished would rather not wait.

Could send recommendations from here, but deem it unnecessary, as the one I sent you is sufficient. If it is not too late, would like a position in Col. [Gwinips?] regiment at Mattoon, as I am well acquainted with the Col.

I am still anxious to serve my country in some capacity until the rebellion is put down. I have been in the service one year lacking one month, was at the battle of Mount Zion, Fort Donelson, Shiloh, and in the advancement on Corinth. May age and experiences induces me to aspire for something better than the position I have been filling, not that I am above filling the place of private for I think it an honorable position. The above I submit for your worthy consideration.

Very Respectfully Yours

Gilead Shaw

I belong to Co. E. W.S.S. 14th Mo. Vols.

14th Mo. Vols.

Gilead Shaw, private wants a Commission in Ills Vols. Wants his discharge from Mo. Vols. Co. E. 14th Mo.