John Collins to Richard Yates

Springfield Jan 14th 65 Hon Richard Yates Dear Sir I am confined in jail in this city charged with a crime of which I am entirely innocent. I am a resident of the City of New York. I am an orphan and without relations. I have served two years and thirty days in the service of the United States and have been twice honorably discharged on the expiration of my term of service. I have participated in the following actions, at the taking of Fort Hatteral and Fort Clark the seven days battles before Richmond, Bristoe and Catletts stations, 2nd Bull Run, the two battles of Fredericksburg and Chancellorville. I am now only eighteen years of age and willing to serve my country again in the field. but to be locked up here like a dog in a kenned charged with a crime that I never committed is hard and cruel, I am a stranger in the west, and have no friends, hoping that you will aid a suffering soldier, I remain your obedient servant. John Collins

Collins John Springfield Jany 14 65 Is in jail for a crime of which he is not guilty. served three years in the army wants your assistance to obtain release from false imprisonment