Joseph W. Halsted to Richard Yates

Jefferson Barracks Mo.

Aug. 27th 1862

Gov. Yates

Dear Sir

Under this date as a citizen of the State over which you have the honor to preside, allow me to address you on a Subject in which I am deaply interested. On the 20th of last July one year ago I enlisted in the 36th Regt of Ills. Vol. and soon after went to Rolla Mo. whare the Reigt stayed untill about the middle of Jan. of 1862, then started for Springfield Mo. Under the command of Gen. Curtis. My health had become so impared by exposure and fatigue, it caused disease of the Kidnies so that I was unable to march with the Reigt or Hospitle.

I therefore took my discharge. I continued an invalid until about the first of April following, when I recovered my health fully as I had every evidence to believe. My ardent desire for the wellfare of our country, was and still is, so great that on the first of May I became attached to the 60th Ills. Vol. laying at that time in Caro Ills., as 2d Surgeon by detale and appointment. I had all confidence to believe that I could fill that Office with success and would have don so but for the extreem heat, bad waters and many more difficulties we had to contend with; it finally brought on disease of the bowels; I became so reduced that it was vary apparent that unless I was removed North, I could not live. I, with some 350 sick was removed to Jefferson Barracks Mo. Here i remaned untill the 21st of August when I was discharged.

My health is greatly improved but not sufficient to go with a Reigt. I am in Constitution broken down: I will not be fit for featigue duty for a long time, if ever. I wish still to serve our country in this her houre of peril and danger. I can do the duty of a Steward in a Hospitle. I am a regular graduate of Medicine, and have practiced Med. in Northern Ills. for 12 years. Was there a vacency in any of the wards at the Barracks I could get it in a moment. I can bring recommendations from our ward Surgeon also from the Surgeon who commands the post to my medical qualifications and my ability to fill the Office of Steward. What I wish of you my Kind Gov. is that you will see if there is not an opening among some of the Hospitles of your acquantence whose I can get a birth.

I do not want to leave the Service but to render all the assistance I can physically and mentally within my power. I hope that this request of mine will meet your approbation and that you will find it convenient to assist me in getting a situation so that I may Still continue to be a benefit to the Soldier and the country. I hope that you will give this matter your kind attention and write to me at St Louis Mo.

Please excuse my hasty manner. I am quite nervous and weak.

With Great respect I am your Most Obedeint Servent

J. W. Halsted M.D.

To Hon. Gov. Yates

Springfield Ills.

Ansd. Aug. 30.

J. W. Halsted M.D.

Jefferson Barracks.

Aug. 27.

Enlisted in 36th Ill. discharged on acct of ill health: was Asst. Surgeon 60th Ill. resigned on acct. of ill health. Wants to be Hospital Steward.

Tell him how to apply. If for a regt to a Col if for a Hosp. to the Surgeon