"EIGHTEENTH WARD, "NEW YORK, _April 3rd, 1865_.
"DEAR SIR,--We appeal to your generous kindness and well-known
liberality in all public concerns to aid us in the effort to avoid the
necessity of having the draft enforced in this ward.
"A number of citizens have contributed to a fund for this purpose, and
we venture to hope that you will not withhold your assistance to save a
number of good and useful citizens from being taken from their families.
"Please enclose your contribution to either of the undersigned.
"PET. W. COOPER,
"JAMES KELLY,
"CHARLES P. KIRKLAND."