“‘Brigadier-Gen. McKean, Com., Palmyra, Mo.:
“‘Dear Sir—Will you please to revoke the order of Gen. Merrill, of the 13th January, 1863, banishing me from the State of Missouri? A few of the reasons why I ask you to do this are—
“’1st. The order was unjust. The General who issued this order did not know me, was dependent upon others for his information concerning me, and was evidently deceived by my personal enemies, or he never would have issued it.
“’2d. I have never engaged in this rebellion in any way, nor violated any law, civil or military; and, therefore, am not deserving of this punishment.
“’3d. I have a wife and six small, helpless children, whose ages range from two to twelve years, from whom I have been forcibly separated for more than three months, and who very much need my attention, and, therefore, humanity, to say nothing of the higher claims of truth and justice, demands compliance with this request.
“’4th. If permitted to return, I expect to be, as I have ever been, a law-abiding and good citizen, and, therefore, the Government can not be benefited by my remaining in exile nor injured by my return to my family.
“’5th. As it is the duty and glory of a Government to protect its citizens in the possession of all their legitimate rights, I ask, and hope it will be your pleasure to grant, that I may return to my family in the enjoyment of the untrammeled liberty that I had before my banishment.
“‘This petition will be sent to your headquarters by Mr. A. C. Stewart, Provost-Marshal, Danville, Mo., accompanied by such remarks and recommendations as he may think proper to make.
“‘In the confident expectation that you will grant this just and reasonable request at an early day,
“‘I am, most respectfully,