“‘James Knox,
“‘J. J. Billingsley,
“‘A. D. Billingsley.’
“The undoubted loyalty of these petitioners, and their prominence in social and political circles during Mr. Lincoln’s Administration, received the following endorsement, which accompanied their petition and formed a part of it:
“‘I have known the signers of this paper long and well; they are true and loyal citizens of Indiana, and are all supporters of the Administration. They are gentlemen of the highest character, and their statements are entitled to full credit.
“‘H. S. Lane, U. S. Senator.’
“‘The gentlemen who signed the foregoing statement are of undoubted loyalty, and their representations are worthy of credit.
“‘O. P. Morton, Gov. of Indiana.’
“And now, by way of showing how difficult it was for those in prison or exile to obtain a hearing at headquarters, in consequence of official routine, etiquette, or what is technically called ‘Red Tape,’ I give the following inscription, which was written on the outside of the above petition before it was returned to the petitioners. It seems first to have come into the hands of some sub-official, who read it and then wrote on it a digest of its contents, as follows:
“‘Petition. Citizens of Indiana. P. 102 (P. M. G.) 63. That H. W. Pitman, B. H. Spencer and D. W. Nowlin, exiles from Montgomery county, Mo., be permitted to return to their families and homes, as they have been closely watched while here and have always conducted themselves as Union men. These petitioners are indorsed by the Governor of Indiana.’