(Note: This letter is by 1st Lieutenant, H. H. McElhaney)No other person than me ever kept the books but me, therefore, I ought to know the Captain is not in debt to the government by any means, as I prepaid to certify to and settle the Company books any time your agents or anyone preparing his papers to draw his pay. I shall send to you the next pay information and payments. The government owes him pay as Captain from 14th May to 13th July inclusive besides 13 days pay in the 11th Ill. I have his muster in roll here. I will, if you wish, let you know the deficient articles and how accounted for, as he had no right to lose $43 26/100 by their [undecipherable]. Being in rather gloomy spirits and fatigued from duty, I will conclude for the present. If you intend to get his pay, let me know when you are ready and I shall do my duty to the best of my ability. I remain, Madame, your able servant, H. H. McElhaney. 1st Lieut-Comd B. Co 8th La Inf.
To:
Mrs. Wm. M. Parkinson
Centralia, Ill
©2006 C.S. Parkinson