The Civil War pension file for Cephas H. Washburn is a slim one. It is an abandoned file, Cephas never got around to filing the necessary papers to obtain a pension. But there is one letter in the file which is rather poignant. Peoria, Ill., Sept 8, 1887 Gen J.C. Black, Commissioner & C Washington, C.C. Dear Sir: Cephas H. Washburn is dead. I attended his funeral last Spring. If any one is trying to obtain money on account of his services in the army it is all wrong. I know C.H. W. intimately since 1840. He studied law and was admitted to the bar at Peoria, but as a lawyer he was not a success. He was a soldier in the Mexican war. Returned home after being honorably discharged. He lacked ambition, tho' naturally smart, a good student and well read he failed in the essential quality of providing for himself by industry. He was helped along by friends who would give him work, cast off clothing and something to eat. He joined Col. Ingersoll's Cavalry Co., remained with it till the end and was honorably discharged. When he came home he was about the same but evidently declining in health. He was mostly troubled with a cough and pain in his breast he was generally broke up. Lived from hand to mouth as he did before without following any particular calling. People got tired of it and several years ago much against his will he was taken to the poor farm. I don't believe he ever received a penny from any of his relatives. He died in the Poor House. A friend obtained his body and a few of us and several old Soldiers gave it a decent burial. to give to his relations would be rewarding ingratitude in my judgment. (the county appropriated $50 toward funeral expenses) Respectfully Enoch P. Sloan For what it's worth Susan Bingler Fairfax, VA