Ira W. Buell to Richard Yates

Columbus Ky July 26th 1864-

To His Excellency Richard Yates,

Governor of the State of Illinois,

As a citizen of Chicago, Illinois, I take the liberty of stating to you some of the grievances suffered by me at the hands of the ruling military authorities at this Post.

On the 30th day of March last I was arrested and imprisoned in the Military Prison at this Post, by order of Col Wm H. Lawrence Commander of the Post and Colonel of the 34th New Jersey Regt, and therein confined for the space of twenty two days when I was released by order of Gen Brayman on a Bond of two thousand dollars conditioned that I should not leave the City of Columbus without permission of the General Comd'g, In compliance with this order and Bond I am still held a prisoner at this Post.

The cause of my Imprisonment as above set forth I am unable to state. I have repeatedly and from the first asked for charges, for a hearing, or trial and for the privilege of Bail. All have hitherto been denied me although nearly four months have elapsed since my first imprisonment and I know of no cause for the treatment I have received other than

the prejudice and malice of the said Col Lawrence towards me incured by my having defended as an Attorney several of the Officers of the said Colonel's Regt whom he has deemed it his duty to have arrested and Court Martialed. In addition to this I was accounted by the said Colonel, a friend of Capt J H Williams, formerly Pro Marshal of this District ags whom the said Colonel was strongly prejudiced. And who together with several others, Soldiers and citizens were arrested at the same time, and against whom, except the said Capt Williams, no charges have been prefered. For the space of more than two weeks my wife then in Columbus was not permitted to see me and not at all until an order to that effect was obtained from Gen Brayman. At the expiration of Seventeen days of my Imprisonment the said Col Lawrence sent a messenger to me, in prison, who most gravely informed me that the said Colonel had said to him that he had procured enough evidence against me and the said Capt to send us both to the Penitentiary, but if I would come out of prison and tell all that I knew agst the said Capt it should be kept a secret and I should be released. In reply I stated that I would willingly tell all that I knew ags the said Capt Williams, but stating at the same time that I knew nothing criminal agt him, but I would answer fully faithfully and truly concerning any matter about which he might inquire and

further that if the said Colonel would give me a hearing I would convince him I was guilty of no crime and ought not to be imprisoned. To this proposal on my part the said Colonel gave no attention and I was still kept in prison until released as aforesaid. For about ten months previous to my Imprisonment I had as a Lawyer practised in the different Military Courts in Session at this Post, and always with the assent and approval of the Courts and the Military Authorities of the District including Gen A J Smith Gen Asboth & Major Rowley formerly Dist Pro Marshal. I am now and always have been an unconditional Union man. I have done no disloyal act and have done much to aid the Union cause by way of recruiting and otherwise. In proof of my character & history in this regard I would refer you to Col Hinchbach of your Staff, Col Salomon, Hon I N Arnold and Elliott Anthony or any other loyal man of Chicago who knows me. Since the issuing of the above mentioned order by Gen Brayman giving me the limits of the Post---I have been wholly unable to obtain any action in my case on the part of the Military Authorities of this District. Gen [Prince?] the Successor to Gen Brayman has wholly refused to act in the case.

It is painfully humiliating to a loyal citizen to to recount such grievances and indignities at the hands of the Military Authorities of his country.

Such treatment naturally presupposes some great crime. I solemnly aver that I am wholly innocent of any---but I am still held a prisoner "a criminal without a crime" an accusation or an accuser. I can learn of no one who complains of having been wronged or injured by me. I have been condemned without a hearing and punished without a trial. In the hope of obtaining at least tardy Justice at the hands of the Military Authorities of this District I have waited thus long before appealing to you.

By a fair trial I am certain of an aquital For the sake of a reputation which I have kept hitherto without the stain of reproach I desire most of all such a trial. To this I am entitled, rightfully and lawfully,-

If by your high position and deservedly great influence with the higher Authorities of our Government you can obtain for me a trial and if not an immediate trial my Release, on Bail if need be, to meet any charges which shall in future be prefered, you will confer a good favor on a loyal and injured citizen of your State.

I am Governor

Respectfully Yours

Ira W Buell

Buell Ira W.

Columbus Ky

July 25 64.

On 30th August he was [illegible] he was arrested & imprisoned in military prison & c. Wishes the Governor to have him released-

Wrote Genl Paine-& sent copy to Mr. Buell.

[illegible]