United States Marshal's Office,

Washington City, D. C., 1877

Hon Charles E. Devens

Attorney General of the U.S.

Sir:

I respectfully ask the removal of Thomas Young, a guard to the Van conveying prisoners to and from jail. I have reason to believe that through his neglect of duty, Charles Goodman a prisoner was allowed to escape from the court room, and has not yet been recaptured. His neglect consists fo two omissions. First in failing to securely Iron the Prisoner, and Secondly in leaving the Door which he was guarding without giving notice to any Balif to take his place. This last Charge he denies and says he told Balif Hughes that he was going a way and to take care of the Prisoners. Hughes denies that Young told him any such thing.

The Attorney General will See that as I am held responsible for the Safety of Prisoners outside of Jail that I ought to have a guard in whom I have full Confidence.

Respectfully Yours

Fred^k. Douglass

U.S. Marshal of the D.C.