OFFICE OF THE U. S. DISTRICT ATTORNEY FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK,

New York, October 22, 1861.

Lieutenant Colonel MARTIN BURKE.

MY DEAR SIR: I have obtained the inclose from Justice Garrison. You need not fear arrest. If you have any trouble see me; but you will not.

Truly, yours,

E. DELAFIELD SMITH.

[Inclosure.]

BROOKLYN, October 22, 1861.

The process spoken of has been returned, and of course I will not of my own motion issue any other.

SAML. GARRISON,

Kings County Judge.

SAINT LOUIS, October -, 1861.

Honorable W. H. SEWARD, Secretary of State:

I telegraphed* the secretary of War on the 16th instant informing him that there were in this city from 50 to 100 dangerous secessionists, and that circumstances might make their arrest necessary. Also that we had no suitable place of detention for such a large number of prisoners, and suggesting their removal in a certain contingency to the fort at Mackinac. My telegraphs has not been answered. Some of the persons referred to have been arrested. They ought by all means to be detained. Please answer and state the disposition which you think ought to be made of them.

JOHN McNEIL,

Colonel Nineteenth Missouri Vols. and Asst. Provost-Marshal.

FORT McHENRY, October 23, 1861.

Honorable SIMON CAMERON and

Honorable WILLIAM H. SEWARD:

Fort McHenry is very small and is filled up by the garrison. We have not room for the accommodation of prisoners or the means of providing for their comfort. Seven prisoners of war from General Banks' column and four state prisoners engaged in secreting a balloon in Delaware came in last night. We have now over twenty confined in one room and cell.

JOHN A. DIX.

DEPARTMENT OF STATE, Washington, October 23, 1861.

Major General JOHN A. DIX, Baltimore, Md.:

Send the prisoners mentioned in your dispatch to Fort Columbus, N. Y., and report names to me.

WILLIAM H. SEWARD,

Secretary of State.

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* See Vol. I, this series, p. 134.

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