Petition of William S. Hendricks to Richard Yates

Bardolph, Illinois, May 25th 1863

To His Excellency Richard Yates, Governor of Illinois,

Sir: Your petitioner, the undersigned, would respectfully represent, that during the Mormon troubles in Hancock county in this state, he had the honor of a captains commission, and commanded a company of militia from McDonough County at the time Gov. Ford visited Carthage to enforce the law against the Mormons.

When the present war broke out, your petitioner being prompted by a desire to serve his country and not by a selfish motive to serve himself first and his second, hastened to enlist in Capt. D. P. Wells co. B, 16th Ills. Infty. He served in that Regt. until [Dec.?] 26th 1862 when he was commissioned 2nd Lieut. co. I, 57th Ills., and was at Donelson and Shiloh, and was taken prisoner at the latter place on the evening of Apr. 6th 1862. He was exchanged and again joined his Regt. on the 22nd Nov. last; but during his imprisonment in the South, two promotions were made over him.

On the 13th of Feb. last he resigned on account of defective hearing, but which he is happy to say, is so far removed as not to disqualify him for efficient service as an officer

Your petitioner being desirous of again entering the service very respectfully asks your excellency if consistent with service and your pleasure to grant him a capts or Lieuts commission in an organized Regt. or one to be organized. And your petitioner will ever pray

William S. Hendricks

File "H"

Wm S Hendricks

Randolph Ills May 25 63.

Was formerly a 2d Lieut in the 16th Regt Ill Vol. was compelled to resign on account of bad health. has since recovered and wishes to re enter the service.

Recd Ex O. May 30 1863.