1st Sergeant/Private John S. Poindexter, Company "C"
Letter From Myrtle Street Prison
October 21, 1864


     This was written by Pvt. John S. Poindexter of the 14th and 4th Missouri State Militia Cavalry, from Myrtle Street Prison, St. Louis MO, where he was serving a six-month sentence on charges of desertion. Since his court martial was in April, he assumes that by October his sentence is almost up.
     The addressee is unknown to the editor, but belongs to the Adjutant General's Office, under which jurisdiction John's situation now falls.
     John's spelling and capitalization are unchanged.
Gloria Atwater

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Myrtle St. Mil Prison
October 21, 1864

Col John V. DuBois
Asst Adjt Gene Dept Mo.

Sir
     I have just been informed by the Captain commanding this prison that he had seen a copy of my sentence at the office of the Prov Mar and that the same had never been approved it never having been forwarded through the proper Military Channels for trial action and that in consequence there of I could not be released except by an Order from the Commanding General. As by the terms of my sentence it will expire on the 27th inst I would most respectfully request that some action in the matter be taken by which I may be released at the proper time. Had I been cognizant of the facts before I should have informed you earlier.
     I am Sir Very Respectfully
     Your Obt. Sevt
         John S. Poindexter
         Co "L" 4th MSM Cav.

     Accompanying undated note;
Respectfully refered to Col. Darr P. M. G.
     The Sentence of the within prisoner has never been Promulgated.
     No Records in this office Showing when his time in prison must begin or when it ends.
         Respectfully
         M. Harrison
         Capt. C(illegible) Prison

Editor's note: John S. Poindexter was subsequently informed by the Provost Marshal General's office that the order promulgating his sentence was dated July 20, whereupon his sentence would expire on January 20, 1864. He would spend a total of 11 months in prison - although his term was set at only six.

Transcribed By:   Gloria Atwater

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