JEAN BAPTISTE COCHENER, At the Military Prison at Meutz , Mozelle to The United States, July 10, 1865

[Translation.]

Mr. Consul: I come to ask from your kindness, as representing the rights of my country, to be so good as to ask from the French government that I be set at liberty.

I was born in France, at Uni, canton of Van Couleur, department of the Mense. Hoping to make a position for myself, I embarked at the age of seventeen, in the year 1851, for Pennsylvania—that country having pleased me—and having created by my labor resources enough for living, I made myself a naturalized American in the month of May, 1857, taking the oath of fidelity to this nation, which for fifteen years has been mine.

I married in Pennsylvania, and my wife died the 25th of March, 1865, leaving me four children; and my actual domicile is at Tidionte, called “Filtam Chipp,” and makes part of the jurisdiction of Warren county, in Pennsylvania.

My mother being at the point of death, wrote begging me to come and see her before her last hour. I yielded to her entreaties, and embarked for France, leaving my family in my country. The authority at Meadville delivered me a passport and all the papers necessary to enter France. Thinking myself quite safe, I landed on French soil the 2d of July, 1865, was denounced as refractory, and not having been subjected to draft, was arrested the 15th of July at Van Couleur and taken to the military prison at Metz, in the fifth military division, and shut up to be tried. It is for this reason, Mr. Consul, I ask from your kindness to make application to obtain my being set at liberty as an American citizen.

I am provided with all my papers, and ought to be back in Pennsylvania by the 27th to take care of my family and continue to support them by my toil.

Relying on your generous aid, I am, Mr. Consul, with respect, your very obedient, humble servant,