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                            Norfolk 18 November 1864

Dear Sir

         On the 9th Inst I received a communication from

your nephew Henry Robinson, a copy of which I enclose.

         It was handed to me at a late hour & I had time only 

to procure for him an overcoat, being on my way to dinner, after which I intended to visit him on board the ship, then lying in our harbor. On reaching my home I received the sad intelligence of the death of one of my sons, which caused us such distress that was unable to carry out my intention, but sent on board my son Henry an acquaintance of your nephew, to carry the overcoat and to inquire into the state of his health more particularly & whether I could supply any other comforts or necessaries.

          The report of my son as to his health & appearance was so pain

-ful that I determined to make an effort at once for his release.

          Not having a single acquaintance among our military au

-thority I wrote a note to Miss Dickson enclosing Henry's letter to me requesting her to see Major Hoffman the Adjt of the post with whom she was acquainted, & explain to him the state of Henry's health & the circumstances under which he was captured & request that he might be paroled & permitted to come to my house, offering myself as security that he would report daily either in person or otherwise.

          His reply which was not received until late in the afternoon, was

that he could do nothing -- that the case was in the hands of the Provost Marshall -- that he was regarded as a prisoner of war and had been sent to prison. Early the next morning I called at the City prison & found he was not there. I then went directly to the office of the Provost Marshal where I ascertained that he had been registered as a prisoner -- a member of Co E 12th Va Regiment and sent to Old Point. He could not inform me whether he would be retained at O Pt or sent further North. Henry's trunk had been carried to the Office with instructions to be sent to my house until called for, which after examination was done & it is now in my possession.

         it was not until yesterday I received the information

that H in in Hospital at O Pt. I went immediately to see [Mrs. D. Cooke?] who had obtained a permit to visit him and requested her to take with her your letter to Henry which I had received through our friend T.T. L K Chandler Esq our District Atty had has promised Mrs C his best efforts & influence to effect his release. They will go to O Pt today.

            I think you can accomplish more through [Mr Falls?}

than any other. He is the intimate friend of Col Cassells the Pro Marshall at Old Pt who has the management of all this business. I have recd several favors thro the influence of Mr F which I could not obtain in any other way.

            You may rely upon my doing every thing in my

power for the comfort of your nephew

                                         Very truly
                                          Yrs

Moncure Robinson Esq Richd Walke

        Philadelphia