My Dearest governor,

I, a wrongfully incarcerated citizen, write to you from the shadowy depths of the asylum that your kind have banished me to. By "your kind" I mean of course those that are not fully acquainted with the truth of my most unusual case.

Mere days ago the honorable judge overseeing my case saw fit to imprison me here stating that I was 'unfit for society'.

I put it to you that he was mistaken; this "society" could never be my equal.

Surely you, with your refined sensibilities and keen mind, must understand that vermin of the very lowest order infest this world; I posit that I was imprisoned by just such a one. You see my dear governor, that deluded fool robbed me of my freedom for ridding the world of a great evil. This man, which I did kill, was the true threat to peaceful society.

Allow me to acquaint you with the facts of my case; I've no doubt you will see fit to pardon me once you truly understand the particulars.

I lived for some time with a man much advanced in years; I, with my penetrating insight, saw through his carefully crafted façade of innocuousness when others denied its very existence.

This man bore the mark of his villainy upon him in the form of a cloudy vulture's eye, and yet those around me failed to perceive this- dull creatures, their own vile deeds corrupt their sight. These same undeserving people are the ones who have labeled me insane.

This glorious "insanity" is but the cunning and wisdom to see things that others cannot; it does not dull the senses, it sharpens them! Good sir, I rid this world of one who would do it harm in a most careful and humane manner. You may be certain that everything was done as it should be, yet when the police, (Those corrupt villains!) arrived they mocked me, toyed with me and forced me to a confession of my deed. Pity them please, the fools know nothing of higher motivation.

I would think you understand now sir, that I am NOT 'insane' as your courts would have it, I am gifted. Misunderstood wretch that I am, I was imprisoned by one who with his own meager instincts could not see this. I feel certain that you at least will understand.

Yours in loco fratensis,

Edgar Poe