Wharncliffe to Hon. C. F. Adams, November 12, 1864

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Your Excellency: A bazaar has been held in St. George’s Hall, Liverpool, to provide a fund for the relief of southern prisoners of war; it has produced a clear sum of about £17,000. In preference to any attempt to reach the intended object by circuitous means, a committee of English gentlemen has been formed to address you on the subject.

As chairman of this committee, I venture to ask your excellency to request the permission of your government that an accredited agent may be sent out to visit the military prisons within the northern States, and minister to the comfort of those for whom this fund is intended, under such supervision as your government may direct.

Permit me to state that no political end is aimed at by this movement. It has received support from many Who were opposed to the political action of the south. Nor is it intended to impute that the confederate prisoners are denied such attentions as the ordinary rules enjoin. But these rules are narrow and stern. Winter is at hand, and the clothing which may satisfy the rules of war will not protect the natives of a warm climate from the severe cold of the north.

Sir, the issue of this great contest will not be determined by individual suffering, be it greater or less, and you, whose family name is interwoven with American history, cannot view with indifference the sufferings of American citizens, whatever their state or their opinions.

On more than one occasion, aid has been proffered by the people of one country to special classes under great affliction in another. May it not be permitted to us to follow these examples, especially when those we desire to solace are beyond the reach of their immediate kinsmen. I trust that these precedents and the voice of humanity may plead with your excellency, and induce you to prefer to the government of the United States the request which I have the honor to submit.

I am, sir, your obedient, humble servant,