the three Virginia troopers who were prisoners here could be exchanged or released on terms. Not having heard from General McDowell will you be so obliging as to inform me by letter directed to this place whether General McDowell saw Major Lee's and my letter and whether he has come to any conclusion in relation to the prisoners.

Your early reply will oblige, your obedient servant,

J. M. JOHNSON.

HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY,
Washington, June 27, 1861.

(via Chambersburg.)

Major-General PATTERSON, U. S. Army,

Commanding, &c., Hagerstown, Md.:

I have your telegram of this date about a prisoner. * * * You needed no special authority for sending prisoners to Fort McHenry.

WINFIELD SCOTT.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF NORTHEAST VIRGINIA,
Arlington, June 27, 1861.

J. M. JOHNSON, Alexandria.

SIR: In reply to your letter of the 25th instant I have to inform you that your letter was laid before General McDowell but no answer at the time could be given in the case. The prisoners of war to whom you refer have been sent to Washington and your application must now be made there.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JAMES B. FRY,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

POST-OFFICE DEPARTMENT,

Appointment Office, June 28, 1861.

Honorable SIMON CAMERON, Secretary of War.

SIR: Your letter of the 26th instant relative to forwarding letters from Europe to the rebels in the South has been received. The inclosed copies of letters to the honorable Secretary of State and Major-General McClellan set forth the views of this Department as to its power in the premises.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOHN A. KASSON,

First Assistant Postmaster-General.

[Inclosure Numbers 1.]

POST-OFFICE DEPARTMENT,

Washington, June 12, 1861.

Major General G. B. McCLELLAN, Cincinnati, Ohio.

GENERAL: I have received yours of the 9th instant,* inclosing a letter from Mr. Gaither upon the subject of the trasmission of mail matter South by Adams Express Company.

I have to reply that the regulation of the intercourse between the two sections is under the control of the military authorities of the

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*Not found.

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