Sarah A. Chadwick to Richard Yates

Lee Center, Lee Co. Illinois

August 28th 1862.

Hon. Richard Yates

Governor of the State of Illinois Springfield

Sir:

With your permission, I called on the Medical Board of Examiners for the Army, on Saturday last, and was refused an examination, on the ground, as I understood, of physical inability. Two of the board appeared favourable and two unfavourable, and the division seemed to be on that ground, as I was informed. Now, I have been with the 2nd Battalion of the 7th Regt. of Illinois Cavalry, attending their sick, in Camp and in hospital, nearly all the time, since the first of November last, sustaining myself under all the fatigues and hardships incident to such a Service; able to perform my duty every day, while other Surgeons have been sick, and I consider that I have borne the hardships of Military life as much as the other Sex, and I think I could continue to do the same for the future. I do not understand the physical inability to be personal in my individual case, but as being peculiar to my sex, and that the decision is against the sex in general.

I write you again on this subject, to ask of you if there is any way in which I can go with the said Regiment under your Authority, so that I can have my expenses paid, even if I can receive no compensating

and to ascertain if I can be recognized as acting under authority. I herein inclose a certificate, from Lieut. Col. Prince of the 7th which further Confirms my ability, for your investigation, and which you will please return in the answer to this Communication, at your earliest convenience.

Respectfully Your Obt Sevt,

Sarah A. Chadwick M D.

Graduate of Cleveland Medical College.

Ans. Sep 1. Dec. retd

Sarah A. Chadwick

Lee Centre Lee Co

Aug 28. 62.

Recd permission to be Exd before Medcl Board but Board refused to Examine on account of physical inability. Writer wants to know if there is any way by which she can go with the reg't and have her Expenses paid even if she not receive any Compensation. Used to be with 7th Cav. and encloses Certificate of efficiency &c from Edwd Prince LtCol which she wants to have returned.