From the Confederate States of America, Department of Henrico Collection; Virginia Historical Society Mss3C7604a. Reel 2, Frame 00047

Flag Officer’s Office, Dock Yard,
Gosport, Va., 186_
Commandant’s Office
Drury’s Bluff Va
May 28th 1863

Brig. Gen. John H. Winder
Comdg Dept. Henrico

General,

A day or two ago I received a letter dated "Castle Thunder", signed by Chas. Summers, W. J. D. McAshur and John Duffey, asking my aid in procuring their release from confinement, stating that they were seamen, and anxious to join the Naval Service &c - If there are no crimes alleged against these men, and you see proper to discharge them from prison, I will send an officer for them, and have them brought down and enlisted here.

I am, very respectfully

You Obd’t Servant

S. S. Lee
Commandant.

[on verso]

Chas. Summers - Seaman, Imprisoned 22 May; Charge - desertion [three illegible words follow, and are also meant to be included in the three below]

John Duffy - Coppers Arty, Imprisoned 22 May; Charge - desertion

Supposed; McCarthy, W. J. D. - 10 Geo; Charge, desertion