Richard McGee to Richard Yates

Memphis Tenn Mar 26th 1863

His excellency Gov. Yates

Dear Sir

I hope you will excuse me for troubling you with a line at this time. I wish to Say to your Excellency however, That I wrote you a note last fall, Stating that I was not accepted in the Services according to the promise I made Your excellency, when though your clemency, I was pardoned, You replyed and advised me to try again. I did So, and was acepted. I entered the 63rd Reg. Ind Vol, as a private. I was Son detailed, to take charge of a Reg as Surgeon In which capacity I acted, until my abilities became apparent. Then I was detailed, in charge of the post hospital, at Indianapolis and by kind attention and manly deportment, I had gained the confidence of the Medical Director, (J S Bales?) who immediately Sent an application to the Sec. of war, and had me regularly appointed in charge of hospital. In which capacity I acted for a short time until the 100th Reg Ind Vol there in camp became So much attached to me. Not only as a Surgeon, but also as a man, that they Solicited me to accept an appointment, as Assistant Surgeon and came in to the field, which I did. At Holly Springs the Medical Director heard of me, and had me ditailed, and placed in Gen Hospital. I then was ordered to this place to open

or assist in opening a hospital, and allow me to Say that I have endeavored to discharge my every duty, in the Sight of my Maker towards our Suffering Soldiers, by being kind, and attentive to their wants, knowing how much a kind act is appreciated by those in distress. This reminds me of that kind act of your excellency, which took me from the confines of a Prison, and restored me to the blessings of Society and children who So much needed my aid: which act, I shall never forget, and I hope I never Shall prove my self unworthy of the favor. No, I Shall never disgrace Your favor; - never give Your Excellency cause to regret having confered So great a favor upon me who Should prove himself unworthy of its countless blessings. So far My conduct has Spoken a language to all who may take the trouble to trace my Steps; which will never reflect disgrace upon the favor. Although I have an old enemy who is at this time endeavoring to call up this old matter to my injury. He noticed a publication in a Paris paper in my favor, and as he was an old competitor of mine in practice he is now resolved to keep me from rising if possible. In this, however, I think he will fail as on other occasions for he is known to be an old mallicious persecutor. My conduct has gained for me a name which He can never kill, for truth and justis will prevail while a just God rules.

I have been told that another bill [yet?] exists, in the Edgar Court, against me, on the old charge for which I was Sentenced in 61. and if possible this man, will Spare no pains, to obtain a requisition at your hands, and have me again brought back and tortured, to gratify his long pent up, Petty malice; but having acted honorably, and honestly, in all things, Since Your Excellency liberated me, I confide in your clemency, knowing that no man can bring any accusation against me, Since that time. for I have been doing all I could (honorably) to recover my self from my misfortune in order that I might relive my innocent children from the Stain, (one of whom, is now in the Service, in the 79th Reg. of Ills' Vol'. and at this time, not expected to live. I ask how can any man try to crush the noble efforts of the unfortunate to rise? If man is trying to act honorably, why crush him? I am now collecting testimonials of my conduct. Since I obtained your favor, for my every Step is open, I never kept my Self concealed Never denied my name, or Shrank from the truth. Please pardon my intrusion, and retain this Sheet for future references as the circumstances seem to demand

Ever your humble Servt,

Richard McGee

Ast. Surg 100th Ind Vol.

100th Ind Vol.

Richard McGee

Assistant Surg.

Memphis - March 26th/63.

Is very grateful to the Gov for granting him pardon = Will do all in his power to merit the kindness of the Gov. Has been doing well in the army. Says there is another bill against him. Confides in the Gov clemency. Wishes to do all in his power to redeem his character so that no stain may rest upon his children.