Morgan to John A. Bingham, September 18, 1868

Mr. Morgan to Mr. Bingham

Sir: I write you in behalf of Philip Brailly, now in prison in Paris, France, a resident of our village, and a citizen of the United States; a man of property, of integrity, and highly respected by our community, who deeply sympathize with his family. The history of his case is this: In 1848, during the time of the republic of France, he left under a passport for the United States, to seek a home for himself and parents, being at that time about 18 years of age, as we learn from his passport in possession of his wife. Before he had secured a suitable location his father died. His mother, declining to leave the land of her birth and the grave of her husband, has manifested a parental desire to have her only child return to France and reside with her, near Paris. She is now growing old, and he, feeling anxious to see his mother once more, was induced by her pursuasions to visit France this summer, but with no intention of removing there; his mother having stated to him that she had consulted the authorities at Paris, and that the only penalty he would have to undergo would be a fine of $300, which she would willingly pay.

On his arrival in Paris, he wrote his wife that on the following day he would report himself to the proper officer, since which time he has notwritten her; but she received a letter from a relative of his in Paris, inclosing a draft for a considerable sum of money from his mother, stating that he has been imprisoned for six months as a deserter from military duty.

On receipt of this, please write me if anything can be done towards having him released.

Hoping to enlist your active sympathy in his behalf, I am, respectfully, yours, &c.,