5th Wisconsin Infantry

Item LTR-11374

Description

Original Civil War soldier's letter. 1 page, written in period ink.


City of Milwaukee, Wisconsin
 
The 21^st day of October 1862
 
Sir,
 
I trust you will pardon the liberty I take in asking you to be so kind as to use your official influence with Commodore C. H. Davis to procure a furlough for thirty days for John C. Staff, now serving as private onboard the Gun Boat “Benton” now lying at Helena, Arkansas.  He enlisted in Milwaukee Zouaves, Fifth Regiment Wisconsin Volunteers fifteen months ago, and when hands were much needed, volunteered into Navy and is now serving as above stated about one year.
 
The reason why his friends require a furlough for him is that he is owner of a farm of land in Washington County.  His brother superintended the management of it until lately when he enlisted in the 24th Regiment Wisconsin Volunteers.  His father is 80 and his mother 75 years old, and they have but a niece 19 years old to help them.  So that in order to enable him to regulate his family and monetary affairs, he would require a furlough for a short time.
 
Trusting that your Excellency will have the kindness to gram my request.
 
I remain your Excellency’s 
very humble and obedient servant,
 
George J. Haywards
 
His Excellency
            The Governor
                        State of Wisconsin
 
We the undersigned do hereby certify that we know the above-named John C. Staff and believe the above statement to be true in every particular.
 
L. Blake
H. Middleton
H. M. Dunn
N. R. Stone
E. O. Clarke
C. R. Jones
Chas W. Locke
Geo. W. Buell
T. S. Hillos