Edward Stevenson to James F. Robinson

KYR-0001-027-0044.xml

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Accession Number

KYR-0001-027-0044

Document Genre

Correspondence

Repository

Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives

Collection

Office of the Governor, James F. Robinson: Governor's Official Correspondence File, Military Correspondence, 1862-1863

Item Location

R2-62 to R2-63

Place of Creation

Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio

Date of Creation

11 September 1862

Dates Mentioned

1862-09-11

Edward Stevenson to James F. Robinson, 11 September 1862, Office of the Governor, James F. Robinson: Governor's Official Correspondence File, Military Correspondence, 1862-1863, R2-62 to R2-63, Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives, Frankfort, KY. Accessed via the Civil War Governors of Kentucky Digital Documentary Edition, discovery.civilwargovernors.org/document/KYR-0001-027-0044, (accessed December 27, 2024).

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Camp Chase O, Sept 11, 1862
Prison 1 Mess 1 --
His Excellency James F. Robinson --
Govenor of Kentucky --

Dear Sir -- By a note from the Hon^ble Judge Hichcock (Special Com^r now at this post, for the purpose of investigating the charges against political prisoners) I am advised that "the recent movements in Kentucky" having rendered it "impossable to obtain accurate information from that vicinity," he had concluded "to postpone" the consideration of our "cases for the present" -- and, that, in so doing, he was acting in conformity "with the advice of the Govenor" -- refering, as I presume, to yourself. You will, I am sure, allow me to remark, that however ~~[...]~~correct this may be in some instances, I am compelled to doubt the propriety of its application to me, having reason to believe that, all the testamony that can be had in my case was taken at Bowling Green, and, as I understood, was sent forward to Gen^l Boyle, at Louisville, and by him transmitted to this place, or to Washington City. I am ready to admit every thing that is true, that can be alledged against me; and so far as injustice may have
been done, whether intentional, or otherwise, I am disposed to think, that I have it in my power to satisfy any inpartial chancelor, that I have done nothing, "worthy of bonds or imprisonment." I have never intended to be otherwise than loyal to my native state and country: and am no less so now, than I have been heretofore. The late raids of morgan and other marauders in Kentucky, with the present invasion of the State, have met with my unqualifide condemnation -- In all my recent communications to my friends in Southern Kentucky, I have earnestly insisted, that they Should all unite, with "one heart and one soule", in driving the invaders from our Soil. Under the circumstances, to place me, in the same catagory with the great body of those with whom I am associated in this prison, would be extreamly hard -- With the most of them, I differ, in my political opinions and prefferences, as widely as the poles -- In fine, the Federal cause, at this momentous crises in Kentucky, will suffer no loss by my ^immediate^ release -- I may not enlarge -- What I have already said, is in profound confidence, while I am retained as a prisoner -- But no longer --
The reason of this, you will ready perceive --

In view of these Statements, I can not but hope, you will use your influence with Judge Hichcock to effect my restoration to all my rights as a loyal citizen. Neither you nor the , Governmentwill ever have occasion to regret such a step. If my honor or integrity was ever questioned by any human being, I never knew it! May I not hope that, amid your many and onorous duties, you will not loose sight of the rights and intrests of an old, greatly worn, and deeply afflicted citizen of the State, over whose destaniy you have been called to preside?

Yours very resp^ly.
Edward Stevenson

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