O. Hunt to James H. Coates

Camp 11th Ills Inft Memphis, Tenn, Oct. 29th, 1864

Sir

I put John W. Lingle private of Co A of this regiment under the influence of Chloroform yesterday and examined his hand and found he had been Malingering for the last eight (8) months with the hope of getting a discharge. From the length of time he has held his fingers in one one position, there exists a little stiffness, but I am confident that in a month or two he will have full use of his hand. I further state that he never has never been near me nor the asst surgeons to ask advice in respect to his hand.

Very Respectfully O Hunt Surg 11th Ills Inft.

To Col Jas. H. Coates 11th Ills, Inft