Murphy, Father P.J.R., Chicago, Illinoic, to Archbishop John Baptist Purcell, of Cincinnati, Ohio, 1865 January 24

Bishop Duggan gave Murphy Purcell's note with the enclosure from Mr. Cairon prisoner of war at Camp Douglas, with instructions to present Purcell's application to Colonel Sweet, commanding this post. Sweet said he had orders from Washington not to release or exchange prisoners until the President is applied to. Cairon wishes Purcell would send him twenty of thirty dollars for necessities he cannot obtain in prison and the clothing and money can be forwarded to Mr. Cairon, Barrack 18, Camp Douglas. Murphy can carry the money to him if Purcell wishes but he is not allowed to carry clothing to prisoners. Murphy says he had very important missions in Chicago before becoming a Chaplain in the Federal army. He served under Generals W.T. Sherman, N.P. Banks, and A.J. Smith. He was captured by the enemy while on the Red River expedition. General Dick Taylor held him six or seven days as a prisoner and then let him go. He injured his right thumb and had dysentery so bad he had to leave the Army. The Bishop last October appointed him pastor of St. James parish and Chaplain of Camp douglas which is a few hundred yards from his church. His brother, Cornelius R. Murphy, was recently killed in the Federal Army at Thibodeaux, Louisiana. Murphy asks Purcell to offer a Mass for his brother and to pray for him. He also asks Purcell to send some Catholic books for the prisoner. ` Note by Purcell: he sent $10 to Murphy for Cairon. :: II-5-c A.L.S. 4pp. 12mo.