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Bluehill Sept 2 1862

Dear Sir,

I have this day arrested one William G. Pert of Co. B 2nd ME Reg. a deserter. Shall lodge him jail at Ellsworth, as ordered.

Pert states and I have it from others of good standing that he never would have deserted had not his wife written him that his family were suffering for the necessities of life, and that the Selectmen of Sedgwick refused to supply them. How true this is I do not know but such stories are reported and after he deserted he was told and made to believe all manner of stories as to what would be done with him in case he was caught and consequently he kept clear. I think he should be dealt as leniently with as the circumstances will allow, he is a seafaring man and would like to go in the Navy - hope he may be permitted to do so.

Yrs Truly, Augustus Stevens

P.S. Yesterday Sept 1st stormy did not leave home. Yrs, A.S.