Louisville July 13 1863
Hon Jas F Robinson
Respected Sir

My attention has been called to the case of Calvin Fairbanks who I understand has already been imprisoned in the Penitentiary for Eleven years. So far as I have been enabled to gather publilc Sentiment the impression seems to prevail that he has been sufficiently punished. I understand that Fairbanks had no intention or design of making profit from negro stealing but had then something like monomania on the subject of slavery whether his long imprisonment has wrought any changes in him in that respect I know not. I am told that if released he will join the union army if this ^is^ so and that condition should be impos^d on him I cannot say that he can do any mischief in the Army but on the contrary might do good. Prison doors should I think on all proper occasions be thrown open when Justice & mercy consistently with public welfare & safety can be fairly exercis^d. In searching my own mind as a citizen having the welfare of my country constantly before me — I cannot feel or see that it would be Unwise or unsafe to let Fairbanks loose & so join in the Petition to your excellency that this prisoner be set free

Most Respectfully
W W Fry