2 pages, 5 x 8, in ink, written by George Borden, to Ohio Congressman William C. Cooper.

Galena, Delaware Co., Ohio, July 8th, 1886

Hon. Wm. C. Cooper, Washington, D.C.
Friend and Comrade, Dear Sir,

In a conversation today with Mr. J. Hildreth, of Mt. Vernon, this state, I told him that I had a claim for Pension pending at Washington, and, he (Mr. Hildreth) told me that he thought that if I would write to you that you would do what you could to help my claim on. I made application for Pension in 1882, and have just now sent on the last, and I believe all the proof to complete my claim. Now if you can influence the Department authorities any, I would be pleased to have you call on Gen. J.C. Black, Commissioner of Pensions, and ask him to act on my claim as soon as possible, and try and get him to allow me as much as is consistent with the proof furnished. I should have applied before the Arrears Act expired, but, I could not bear the idea of asking this, my Government and my home, to help me as long as I was able to work, but I was at last obliged to abandon my trade, not being able to perform manual labor of any kind. I have been (since quitting my trade) trying to make my living and clotting’s out of the profits of a four or five hundred dollars stock of hardware which I assure you is very small. Now if you will please see the Commissioner, or the proper man, and speak a word in my behalf, I shall certainly be under great obligation to you. I don’t suppose it will be necessary for you to answer this, but I will enclose a stamp any way.

I am respectfully yours,
Friend and Comrade in F C & L,
George Borden, Galena, Ohio
Late a private in Co. F, 90th Regt. O.V.I.

To Hon. Col. Wm. Cooper, M.C.

Very fine and neatly written letter.

George Borden, enlisted as a private on July 23, 1862, and was mustered into Co. F, 90th Ohio Infantry. He was mustered out of service on June 13, 1865.

The 90th Ohio Infantry fought in the battles of Stone's River, Chickamauga, in the Atlanta campaign, and at Franklin and Nashville.

William C. Cooper, studied law, was admitted to the bar in 1852, and practiced in Mount Vernon, Ohio. He was the prosecuting attorney of Knox Country, 1859-63, was the mayor of Mount Vernon, 1862-64, a member of the Ohio State House of Representatives, 1872-74, Judge Advocate General of Ohio, 1879-84, and U.S. Congressman, 1885-91.

Gen. J.C. Black, mentioned in the letter was John C. Black, former Colonel of the 37th Illinois Infantry, Union Civil War General, Medal of Honor recipient, U.S. Commissioner of Pensions, U.S. Congressman, and Commander-in-Chief of the G.A.R.