Olfers to Montgomery Blair, Washington, D. C, July 16, 1866

Mr. Olfers to Mr. Blair.

Dear Sir: I take the liberty and have the honor to bring to your attention the undermentioned facts:

I went with my wife and two children, in the year 1851, for the benefit of my health, to Germany, being a citizen of the United States, and my wife a native of Charleston, S. C., both those children, whereof one was a son, being born in that city, which is proved by my pass, at present in your hands, and enclosed certificate of baptism, approved by the Hanoverian consul at Charleston.

This son was drafted and taken into the army of the Hanoverian kingdom in April, 1865, notwithstanding my statement that he was born in the United States and son of a citizen of the said United States—keeping a certificate of birth and baptism in their possession, and refusing to give it up.

He was taken in the 7th company, garde regiment, kingdom of Hanover; the company was commanded by Captain Dreiherr Von Brandis, a son of the minister of war, which captain, after I had stated my case to him, told me I could go home, he being very sure that my son very soon would be restored to me.

I left Germany, being fully recovered of my sickness, in March, 1866, without being able to take my son back to his native land, being forced into the army of a foreign king, where he has no business with nor any obligation whatever, he being, on the contrary, very much wanted by me in my business, and my wife suffering and declining daily on account of his absence and safety.

In consequence of which I have the honor to beg you to take such measures as you deem proper, that he might be restored to us, for which the Almighty God will certainly bless you, and you will reap the heartful thanks of a sick, distressed mother, his young brothers, sisters, and your very humble servant,