MARIE, Zouave Pontifical, 9th Company, Velletri to General King, April 23, 1866

Mr. St. Marie to Mr. King.

Honorable Sir: With reference to the information I had the honor to give you Saturday last, I most respectfully state and suggest that it would be advisable to proceed at once and ascertain if such information is correct, as I understand that my company may be soon under orders to go further in the mountains, and it would be more difficult for me to communicate with you. As to the identity of the party, I can assure you on my most sacred honor it is lost time to acquire further proofs. I am fully convinced that it is the same individual. I have known him in Baltimore. I have seen him here; have spoken to him; recognized him at once; and, when he made himself known to me and acknowledged he was the same party I thought he resembled to, he related several particulars of our first meeting at Ellangowan, fifteen miles from Baltimore, where I was then engaged as a teacher, which no one but himself could have remembered. This was about a year before the assassination of President Lincoln; all this occurred about a fortnight ago. I then resolved that as soon as I could get leave to go to Rome, I would seek the American minister and inform him of the fact, which no one here, and I am certain in Europe, knows but myself. I am fully aware of the danger of my position, for in my opinion that party must have friends here, and the utmost caution must be used both in securing him, and for my personal safety. I have told you it is my desire to leave the army as soon as possible, and that I can do by paying a sum of five or six hundred francs. I think I have done my duty in conscience, and trust in you not to be forgotten. I shall expect an answer at your earliest convenience; in writing to me use ordinary paper and envelope, and take a form and turn of expression as none but myself will be able to understand.

I have the honor to be. honorable sir, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,