T.P. Robb to Richard Yates

Jackson Tenn March 24th 1863

Governor Yates

Dear Sir.

In behalf of Capt Henry Yates of the 106th Ills vols, I desire to explain an unpleasant matter which has lately occured. Capt Currier was selected by the Captains of the above regt to inform me of the following facts - Also to hand me the necessary vouchers proving same. It seems that sometime since while the regt was on RR guard duty, Capt Yates sent to the Surgeon who was at this post, a pay certificate & Discriptive Roll, for use of a sick soldier in Gen Hospital - by a Private - thereby conflicting with special order no 56 - which reads that all Discharge papers &c shall be sent by a non commissioned officer. I will here give you Capt Yates explanation to me. "I desire to say that the one pay certificate alluded to was understood & intended simply as a memd to guide the Surgeon in making out the final statement of said soldier in case of his discharge while in Gen Hospital." I will now give you the statement (or a portion of it) signed by all of the Captains on duty in the regt. "We the undersigned Captains in the 106th regt Ills vols do hereby certify that we, nor either of us have received the order stated to have been violated by Capt Henry Yates in special order No 56 Head Quarters District of Jackson." The order No 56 was never read to the officers of the regt, consequently they were ignorant of the same, & Capt Yates in no way to blame in violating it.

On the 3d of March an order was read on dress parade to all the regts in this District recommending that Capt Yates be dismissed from the service of the U.S. on the 11th inst the order accidently came into the possession of Capt Yates - & not untill the 19, I think Capt Currier said - was the order read to the 106th. You cannot well imagine the astonishment & anger of the officers of the regt, and of course, the injured feelings of Capt Yates. You will see at once that there was either great neglect on

the part of the Comdg officer of the regt, or that the order was purposely kept, untill a late day, from the Col. If the first, it was criminal, thereby causing officers in his regt innocently to violate orders issued by the Comdg Office of the District. On the other hand, of course I cannot fathom the object - but will know in due season. Capt Yates is noted for his prompt attention to all orders - for the good disciplin of his Co, & the interest he takes in the health, & general welfare of his command. He is a good officer, & held in high respect by all the regt. I take great pleasure in forwarding this statement, & hold, subject to your order, the statement of the Captains of the regt. on knowing the above facts I promptly sought an interview with Gen Sullivan, who informed me that he had been greatly annoyed by having orders of a like character violated by officers, & in this instance, he had issued the order for the purpose of preventing future occurrences - & not intending, or expecting any thing would come of it. I have advised Capt Yates to go on & perform his duties as usual, & give the matter no further attention. In a private note to me he says - "I am affraid certain parties will take advantage of this thing - therefore be kind enough to file the papers I send you & use them when you think best. It would relieve my mind very much if you would inform Gov Yates in reference to the matter - for fear he might have a statement from some other source, & the true statement be construed so as to give him a wrong impression. Hoping this may be the first intimation you have had of this matter, & that you will concur with the officers of the 106th, as well as with many in other regts, in not attaching blame - for intent in violating special order No 56 - & that you will also concur with them, that a great wrong has been done Capt Yates.

I remain Respectfully Your Obt Sevt

T.P. Robb

Ills State agent.

P.S. I enclose a dispatch from Gen Brayman

T. P. R.

Major T P Robb

File R State Agent

Jackson Tenn March 24 1863.

Explains some important matters in relation to Capt Henry Yates of the 106th Regt. says order No 56 was never read to the Regt and Capt Yates was in no way to blame is noted for his prompt attention to all orders - for the good discipline of his company - is a good officer respected by all of his Regiment

Recd Ex O April 1st 1863.