This letter was written by Aaron Frederick (“Fred”) Gilbert who was working as a clerk in Peoria, Illinois, prior to his enlistment as a corporal at the age of 20 in Co. A, 17th Illinois Infantry on 25 May 1861. At that time he was described as standing over 5′ 9″ tall and have brown hair and blue eyes. He rose in rank to Orderly of his company before mustering out on 4 June 1864 at Springfield. Though Fred’s letter requests he be discharged so that he might accept a commission in the 3rd Arkansas Cavalry, I can find no evidence that this was arranged.

Fred was the son of Henry William Gilbert (1809-1849) and Margaret Ann Fash (1820-1902) of Peoria.

After the war, Fred returned to Peoria where he kept a flour store. He was married to Mary Evelyn Speers (1842-1924) in October 1865.

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Galesburg, Illinois
March 4, 1864

Maj. Frank F. Peats
17th Illinois Infantry
Dear Major,

I returned from Springfield yesterday morning where I went (as I before informed you I was going) on the evening of the 2nd inst.

While in that city, I finally succeeded in getting your accounts for December correct when they were approved by Col. Oakes. The disbursing officer, however, being minus in the way of funds, I did not collect anything on them. They are all right though, and all that is necessary is to catch the disbursing officer in funds, when they will be immediately paid.

I think I will now have no trouble in making out the account for January and February and he said it would do to have but one set of papers for the time from the first of the year to the time of closing the office. I assure you, I was much obliged for the information. I have not yet commenced to make out the papers more than to prepare the blanks, but shall do so at once and will have them completed by Wednesday of next week.

In the meantime I wish you would write to Col. Oakes and request him to relieve me of duty on recruiting service immediately as I wish to leave this place by the day last above mentioned and to start south by the Monday following.

My reason for this is Ryan (Abraham H. ) ¹ has written to me and has offered me a commission in his regiment and wants me to come along as soon as possible. So you see the necessity of me being relieved of duty here and of starting south at the earliest possible moment. I will consider it a great favor if you will attend t this at once, upon the receipt of my letter, and also request Col. Oakes to order me to report to someone at Little Rock if he can do so. Whether he can order me there or not, it will at least do no harm to try. Maj. Norton is in the office there and if you should write him about it, he may be of some assistance.

You may rely upon my having your accounts in order by Wednesday the 9th.

While in Springfield, I saw Capt. Robson and party and also Lieutenants Stockdale and Mitchell of Company K. The captain and party have all been detailed for duty in Springfield, himself and Glass reporting to Gen. White and Dickinson and Goodwin as clerks in Oakes’ office. This was done at their own request as they did not wish to return south because their term is so near out.

Stockdale was down with four recruits. He has enlisted forty-two altogether—about one half for our regiment. I did not have any conversation with him, but merely had time to shake hands with him as he came into the dining hall at the hotel. Lt. Mitchell was sent North to take charge of recruits. He is reporting to Gen. White and does not expect to return to the regiment.

There is nothing of special interest to write about in Galesburg or vicinity. Hoping you will write to Col. Oakes without fail or delay, I remain with best respects to yourself and Mrs. Peats, yours truly &c., — A. Fred. Gilbert

¹ Abraham H, Ryan of Peoria, Illinois, was mustered into Company A, 17th Illinois Infantry as a first lieutenant in May 1861. Promoted to captain, Ryan mustered out of the 17th Illinois on February 10, 1864, having fought at Forts Henry and Donelson, Shiloh, and through the Vicksburg campaign. On the day he mustered out of the 17th Illinois, Ryan enlisted in the 3rd Arkansas Cavalry at Little Rock, assuming command as the regiment’s colonel. He was mustered out of the 3rd Arkansas on June 30, 1865.