Daniel D. Porter to Richard Yates

MISSISSIPPI SQUADRON, FLAG SHIP BLACK HAWK.

Cairo, Ill, Novr. 24th 1863.

Sir:

By direction of the Honorable Secretary of the Navy, I write to enquire whether the prisons of the State of Illinois, can be made available for the confinement of persons in the Naval Service, condemned to imprisonment at hard labor, for a term of years, by sentence of a General Court Martial?

According to the laws of the United States, such persons may be confined in any prison or penitentiary, which may be placed at the disposal of the Secretary of the Navy.

An early answer to the above inquiry, is respectfully requested, as there are several prisoners at this place, awaiting the carrying out of their sentences.

Very respectfully, Your Obt. Servt. Daniel D Porter Rear Admiral.

His Excellency: Richard Yates: Governor of Illinois.

Porter Rear Admiral

Daniel D.

Cairo Nov 24' 63.

Is directed by the Sec of the Navy to ascertain whether the prisons of the State of Ills. can be made available for persons in Naval service condemned by Court Martial to hard labor

According to laws of the U.S. they may be held in any prison placed at disposal of Naval authorities

Several prisoners awaiting the carrying out of sentences.

Copy forwarded to Gov. Yates kYk Nov 28. asking instructions- letter to Jill Pitman Warden " to Admiral Porter Dec 17'

Has any answer been recd from Pitman?

Executive Office Nov 27' 63