It came from somebody within the Confederate lines.

You know how the Northern and Southern pickets exchange tobacco, newspapers and such things, when they're not fighting.

I suppose the letter was passed on to me in that way.

Listen." "John Watson, Washington, D.C.
"My dear sir: I have never met you, but certain circumstances have made me acquainted with your name.

Believing therefore that you are a man of judgment and fairness I feel justified in making to you a complaint which I am sure you will agree with me is well-founded.