James Bakrett to E. M. Archibald, February 20, 1864

Mr. Barrett to Mr. Archibald.

My Dear Sir: I have to apply to you, as a subject of her Majesty’s government, to aid me in getting my money returned to me. It was my own private funds which was taken from me when I was captured on board the steamer Antonica, on the 20th of December last. I have been placed in the New York county jail without any means, and have been kept here two months. I cannot hear anything about getting my money returned; it was taken by force from me, but with the promise that it would be returned on my arrival in New York. The amount was eighty-five dollars in specie. If you can aid me in any way, or compel them to return it, I will feel under many obligations for your kindness. They took my purse with the cash, and also a small masonic square and compass breastpin which I set some value to. I am a stranger in New York, and have been advised to call on you for advice or aid. My friend and shipmate, Thomas Jones, is in the same situation, and requests me to present his case to you. He is from Wales, not far from Liverpool. He had only thirty-five dollars in specie, but it was his all, and he is much in need of it. I belong to Liverpool, but was born in Dublin.

Yours, &c., &.c, &c.,