D. J. Pinckney to Richard Yates

Mt. Morris, Apl. 23/63

Hond Sir:

I have just recd a note from Capt. McMaster of Mo. Vols. 31st Regt, who has recently returned from a rebel prison. He requests me to urge you to use your influence to have the exchange of prisoners hastened.

He comes from Jackson, Miss. where (in prison) he became acquainted with my brother-in-law Lieut Jos. E. Witt, 4th Ills. Cavalry, who with other brave officers is pining in squalor & starvation, amid filth & vermin too horrible to reflect upon with any thing like patience, when it is known they have suffered this since Jany. last. The Capt.

thinks humanity calls for prompter action on the part of the Govt., & I must say the Capt. is not alone in this opinion.

Knowing your interest in all who act and suffer for our common country, I take this liberty, hoping you may be able to urge forward the exchange of these suffering & abused officers. It was arranged with Genl Leery when he was paroled, that Lieut Witt & companions should be sent back in return for the kindness thus shown by the 4th Ill. Cavalry to the Genl. & his fellow prisoners; but alas! they are still in prison, starving, rotting, dying!

Possibly, you can do nothing, and I am troubling you unnecessarily, but still, my action is prompted by a feeling that needs no excusing - a feeling that the brave soldier should not be neglected a single hour by his Govt., nor by his fellow citizens.

Yours Respy.

D. J. Pinckney

D J Pinkney

Mt Morris April 23rd 1863.

Urges the Governor to use his influence to have the exchange of prisoners hastened - says his brother in law Lieut Witt of the 4th Ill Cavalry is now in prison at Jackson Miss. with many other brave officers who are starving among filth and vermin too horrible to think of.

file

Recd Ex O. April 28th 1863.