Petition for seeking redress for unfilled military post and support of family

mem No 36 A Petition of H. F. Phelps

To the Legislature.

28/. Sub. by Mr. Gifford Dodge Co. Del. 29/ Rep back with rec of ref to Com.n Claims, So ordered 27/3 Rep back [?]

To the Hon The Legislature of the State of Wisconsin:

The petition of Hector L. Phelps of the County of Dodge, in said State respectfully represents: That on or about the 11th day of September 1861, at Said County, he enlisted in Company "B" Lyon Guards, [N?} W. Roly, Capt, and on that day was duly Sworn into the Service of Said State, -- that on the 5th day of October, 1861, he was Sworn in to the Service of the United States for three [years ?] or during the war, and duly mustered into such Service at Camp Walton, and as a member of the 20th Regt. War Volunteers, Col. ? hoping [common?] -- that this petitioner was Sworn into Said Service as Company drummer .-- and obtained State [?], and his. Army [efs?] soon thereafter, -- that on or about the first of November, 1861, he, together with Said Regiment was ordered to Kentucky and when there was attached to a Brigade Commanded by Brigadier Genl. [Buel?] -- and remained there until Dec 7th, 1861, -- that some time previous to Said 7th Dec. this petitioner ascertained that his name had been stricken from the [Muster ?] Roll of the Regiment for some cause to this petitioner unknown, -- that this petitioner was refused his rations while at Camp Abercombie in Kentucky, and that no redress could be had at the hands of Colonel Chapin, though

often applied for, -- until finally this petitioner was compelled to leave Kentucky, and to quit the Service, after his military clothing had been taken from him by order of Same Commanding Officer -- when your petitioner returned to his home in Dodge County -- having received no pay from the United States Government and your petitioner represents, that in good faith he enlisted into such Service and has ever been ready and willing to perform his duty -- that his treatment by Col. Chopin has been entirely arbitrary and as this petitioner avers, without military authority, -- that your petitioner has a family consisting of a wife and seven children -- Said children being between the ages of 4 months and 16 years, -- and in addition one other Son, 15 years old, now a drummer in Co. "C" in said 10th Regt. in Kentucky -- that your petitioner in consequence of his Said treatment, has been deprived of the means to support his family, and that the same is now destitute;

Wherefore, he asks for relief from the State, -- and that provision may be made for his back pay, -- and that, if in the power of Your Honorable body, that he may receive redress for his wrongs, and in all

things restored to that which he has lost,-- And he will every pray :

Hector T Phelps

27th January. 1862.