A. B. Lyman to Richard Yates

Office of State Agent for Soldiers' Claims,

Cincinnati, Ohio March 27 1863

Hon R Yates

Gov of Ill

Dear Sir

I am doing a good deal of work for Ill Soldiers, and do it with pleasure. Many come here discharged with imperfect papers and they can draw no pay on them. We send their papers back to their Reg, get them corrected, collect their money free. We furnish our own soldiers transportation at 1 1/2 cts per mile. I could do your Soldiers more good, if I could give them transportation in certain cases.

Occasionally one is here entirely destitute, no money & no pay due. I have had several cases where their money has been stolen, & they are entirely destitute

I should be glad to help them, and will do anything I can for them; and would issue transportation to them if furnished by your State, making no charge for

my services. I do not think you need and agent here, although there are many of your Soldiers in our hospitals, but if they could be helped in some cases it would add much to their comfort

I shall do all I can for them, but there some things I cannot do without all charity from the Gov of Ill.

I am Sir

Very Respectfully

A. B. Lyman

Ohio State Agent

M Lyman

Ohio State Agent for Soldiers Claims

Cincinnati Ohio Mar 27 1863

Says he is doing a great deal of work for Ill Soldiers who are discharged and have not received their pay. Wishes authority from the Governor to furnish Transportation to soldiers that are destitute.

Ans'd. April 2.

Answer cannot do this for the present on acct of action of State Treasurer - political troubles - hope soon may be able to do something.

Recd Ex O March 28 1863.