The letter dated July 14th of 1863 was written in the midst of the New York City draft riots. On July 13, 1863, during a number drawing for the draft, approximately 500 people advanced upon the Ninth District Provost Marshal's Office on Third Ave and 47th Street, first throwing rocks at the building and then setting it on fire. A response to the conscription act passed by Congress authorizing the first draft in U.S. history, the riots and subsequent fires left many people homeless and over 100 dead. Lasting three days, the riots ended only after several regiments of militia and volunteer troops were sent to regain control over the city.