American Historical Ephemera & Photography

1p, 7 1/2 x 11 3/4 in., completely separated along center horizontal fold, heavily toned. Letter is signed by "Union Men" Robert B. Gray, William A. Perry, Thomas Rodman, J.P. Ellis, George Thomas, I.R. Berryman, and A. Baumon [?]. Verso docketed multiple times: "Head Quarters Louisville / Feb 18th 1864" with comments from Union General J.T. BOYLE reading in part, "Respectfully referred to Maj Gen Wright with statement that Mr. Pryor was at the beginning in favor of the secession of Kentucky..." and "obstinately refused" to take the oath of allegiance; "Rec'd HdQrs. D. O. Cin. Feby 22 of 63"; and "Head Quarters Dept of the Ohio, Cincinnati, Ohio, Feby 28th 1863 "Not granted. By Order of Maj. Genl. Wright. C.W. Foster, A.A. Genl."

Writing from New Castle, Kentucky, in the north-central portion of the border state, Robert B. Gray and six others plead the case of their "fellow citizen" William S. Pryor ( 1825-1914), asking that he be unconditionally released as a "political prisoner." Pryor had been arrested approximately six months earlier and confined variously in Louisville, Camp Chase, and on parole with the privilege of Ohio. The men of Henry County ask that he be "immediately and unconditionally released" as he has been "guilty of no crime or offence...." Interestingly, by this time the case of Pryor had already reached the desk of none other than President Lincoln, who wrote to Sec. of War Stanton on 9 January 1863, regarding Pryor's detainment. Lincoln advised Stanton to let Pryor's parole stand, but for him to be allowed to "go at large generally." It is unclear exactly when Pryor was released. Post-war, Pryor served as Chief Justice of the Kentucky Court of Appeals.