Scope and Content
County Quarter Sessions October 7th 1914
To the Honourable Chairman.
Sir,
I am very sorry indeed, to find myself in this position. Although this is not the first time, I have been in trouble yet wearing the King’s Uniform makes me feel the disgrace all the more keenly. I have enlisted after having committed this offence, but I can honestly say, that had I known there was a warrant, for my arrest I should have given myself up at once, for I would not have disgraced the Uniform I wear by being placed in this unfortunate position. I do not want to leave the service especially now England is at war, and is in need of all her men, but if I am sent to prison, discharged with disgrace will perhaps follow, and a splendid opportunity of redeeming my character lost. I am the son of a soldier, and at the present time, six of my relatives are already serving in the British Army. I sincerely trust, you will if you possibly can, bind me over to come up for punishment, after the war is finished. All the conditions necessary for active service, I can pass instantly if needed. My past record is I am very sorry to say bad, but Sir, surely this will not prevent me, from doing my duty for King and Country, in fact it would make me all the more in earnest, all the more eager, to do my very best through this war, knowing that by so doing, I shall be showing to all, that I am only to anxious, to atone for the past, and am trying my uttermost to retrieve my character. I trust you will bind me over this time, to let me have an opportunity to volunteer for the front, that being my earnest desire, to give my life willingly, fighting to the last, if only I can have the last chance to show, that although I have been a thief, I was only to willing to try, and wipe that stain from my character, and that I am longing to be honest and respected once more. Sir I hope you will deal with me in this manner, till the war is over, give me this chance to make amends for my past, and I promise you faithfully, you shall never have cause to regret doing so.
Sir, I hope you will kindly take into consideration that I gave the police every possible assistance, recovered the bicycle for them, therefore giving them no trouble. That I have been in prison awaiting trial over two months, also that the theft was committed before I enlisted, and before war was declared.
Your most Humble Servant,
John Albert Smith