U. S. MARSHAL'S OFFICE, SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK,

New York, May 28, 1862.

Colonel MARTIN BURKE, U. S. Army,

Commandant Fort Lafayette.

COLONEL: I have the honor to refer to my letters of the 5th, 20th and 24th instant and now inclose a decision from the Navy Department regarding the disposition to be made of persons captured on vessles breaking the blockade and brought to this port as prizes.

After reading the original order you will be kind enough to return it to bearer, as I annex a compared copy for your future guidance.

I am, colonel, with much esteem, your obedient servant,

ROBT. MURRAY,

U. S. Marshal.

[Inclosure.]

NAVY DEPARTMENT, May 26, 1862.

ROBERT MURRAY, Esq., U. S. Marshal, New York.

SIR: I have received your telegraphic dispach asking what disposition is to be made of the persons captured on vessels breaking the blockade. All foreign subjects or eto be released if not required as witnesses. Passengers or persons on board, citizens of the United States, who have no connection with the attempt to violate the blockade or to furnish supplies to the rebels are also to be released if not required as witnesses.

The officers and crew citizens of the United States are to be held in custody.

I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,

GIDEON WELLES.

U. S. MARSHAL'S OFFICE, SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK,

New York, May 29, 1862.

Colonel MARTIN BURKE, U. S. Army,

Commandant, &c., Fort Lafayette.

COLONEL: I eg leave to inclose you copy of an order received from the Navy Department determining what is to be done with the prisoners captured on vessels breaking the blockade. I shall send down Officer Sampson to-morrow (Friday) to examine and release all persons who claim to be subjects of another Government than that of the United States of America.

I am, colonel, with sincere esteem, your obliged and faithful servant,

ROBT MURRAY,

U. S. Marshal.

HEADQUARTERS, Fort Monroe, September 7, 1862.

Honorable WILLIAM H. SEWARD.

MY DEAR SIR: General Dix has shown me your letter*to him of the 4th instant. For its friendly tone and recommendation you have my warmest thanks. No event of my life has given me such intense

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*Not found.

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19 R R-SERIES II, VOL II