WAR DEPARTMENT,

Washington City, May 19, 1865.

Major-General SCHOFIELD, Raleigh, N. C.:

I am informed that proof can be had at Charlotte, N. C., that Davis received there intelligence of the murder of President Lincoln, spoke of it, exulted at it, and expressed the wish that Vice-President Johnston should also be killed. Ascertain whether you can obtain any proof of the truth of this report, and if so forward the witnesses immediately to report to the Secertary of War.

EDWIN M. STANTON,

Secretary of War.

WAR DEPARTMENT,

Washington City, May 19, 1865.

Major-General SCHOFIELD, Raleigh, N. C.:

Please ascertain where Mr. L. F. Bates, an agent, superintendent, or employe of some sort in the Southern Express Campany, is, and send him to Washington with the ulmost dispatch, to report to me upon matters in respect to which information in his possession is needed. Please spare no effort to have this done quickly.

EDWIN M. STANTON,

Secretary of War.

RALEIGH, N. C., May 19, 1865.

Honorable E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War:

Your two ciphers referring to Jeff. Davis and L. F. Bates received and will be attended to at once.

J. M. SCHOFIELD,

Major-General.

RICHMOND, May 19, 1865.

Major-General SCHOFIELD, Raleigh:

In reply to your telegram of the 16th in regard to amnesty oaths, I have to state that I permit all persons who are included in President Lincoln's amnesty proclamation to take that oath, unless there is a special reason for governing the particular case. Those not included in the amnesty proclamation are permitted to take the oath of allegiance and petition to the President for individual pardon. The President alone can act on such petitions. It is understood that a new amnesty proclamation is soon to be issued.

H. W. HALLECK,

Major-General, Commanding.

RICHMOND, May 19, 1865.

Major-General SCHOFIELD:

Please state on what vessel have the rebel War Department papers been sent, and when did they sail. Will she touch at Fort Monroe?

H. W. HALLECK,

Major-General.