John Warren to Benjamin Moran, May 22, 1868

Mr. Warren to Mr. Moran

Sir: With the privilege of writing this letter I was informed that Mr. Adams had at last performed his hegira and departed this city. It is to be hoped that a new era will date therefrom, and that the inertia of his successor will not deceive the authorities at this side as to the long-recognized rights of the American citizen—native and adopted. It was a great mistake for one party to imagine that Mr. Adams’s opinions were the opinions of the American government and people; and for Mr. A. to imagine that he was the United States government and people on horseback, reference to which is made by the undersigned with the best possible intention. To all whom it may concern:

In Mr. Adams’s letter to me of the 11th March, he stated that “if any further intelligence be received prior to the date of his departure, he would let me know of it.” I have concluded, (assuming he meant what he wrote,) in consequence of not hearing from him, nothing has transpired to affect my case; but I know it unavoidably must be done, and I therefore wish to instruct you finally as to my position, concluding that if action has not been (partly or wholly) taken by this time, it soon win. I respectfully request of you, if the question of my discharge be submitted to your office, to first apprise me of its nature, if any stipulations are required before making any final arrangements, as I know you will admit I am an interested party. As a transported convict here, I hear nothing of what is transpiring outside. The rules of the prison are fully applied to me. The officers can’t help it. The thrice-convicted robber is as good a man as I am here. My health does not trouble me yet very much, but I may thank an active, hardy life for that. Not out of 5,000 hardy men could you get six men who can stand kicking, cuffing, starving, hanging, or shooting any better than Warren can. My patience is large, so you see I am a good subject for the two doctors. If, on receipt of this, you expect Mr. A.’s successor immediately, you might defer writing; but if not, I hope you will write on receipt. Also should the question of the principle involved in my case be taken up in the right style by my government, I ask of you to make application to see me, to inquire as to my treatment.

In conclusion, let me impress upon you that by the time you receive this I shall be 12 months in prison, on an indictment found on the evidence of Corydon for my actions in the United States of America.

I have the honor, &c.,