FORT COLUMBUS, N. Y., July 24, 1861.

Colonel E. D. TOWNSEND,

Assistant Adjutant-General, U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.

SIR: I understand that writs of habeas corpus will probably be served upon me in the case of * * * Edward Seymour Ruggles, detained by me under the order of General Scott. It seems to me proper to ask instructions as to the course which it will be best for me to pursue in the event of the service of such writs.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

MARTIN BURKE,

Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY,
Washington, July 29, 1861.

Lieutenant Colonel MARTIN BURKE, U. S. Army,

Fort Hamilton, New York Harbor.

SIR: Your letter of the 24th instant has been received. Orders were sent you the 24th instant in case a writ of habeas corpus was served on you in the matter of Purcell M. Quillen to return upon it that you beg leave to decline obeying the writ at this time. The General-in-Chief directs that you make the same return in the case of Edward Seymour Ruggles.

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

E. D. TOWNSEND,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

DEPARTMENT OF STATE, Washington, July 31, 1861.

Lieutenant General WINFIELD SCOTT, Washington.

GENERAL: I inclose a copy of a private letter* to me from the U. S. consul at Panama and of the letters to which it refers relative to Edward Seymour Ruggles, who was arrested in New York and at the instance of this Department subsequently transferred to the custody of the military authorities in that quarter.

I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,

WILLIAM H. SEWARD.

HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY,
Washington, August 2, 1861.

Lieutenant Colonel MARTIN BURKE, U. S. Army,

Commanding, &c., Fort Hamilton, N. Y.

SIR: By direction of the General-in-Chief I inclose a copy of correspondence bearing on the case of Edward Seymour Ruggles, one of the political prisoners confined under your charge.

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

E. D. TOWNSEND,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

DEPARTMENT OF STATE, Washington, January 14, 1861.

Colonel JUSTIN DIMICK, Fort Warren.

COLONEL: If you believe that Mr. E. S. Ruggles, a prisoner confined in Fort Warren, would observe his obligations you may release him from

---------------

* See Corwine to Seward, June 14, p. 359.

---------------