Hammond, a huckster in Northern Liberty Market, with whom I had some difficulty but to whom I never spoke as he is a contemptible loafer. I was always a strong Democrat and Hammond claimed to be for Lincoln. I never communicated any information to the rebels and it is the furthest from my intentions. I claim to be a Union man and will take the oath. Have never had an examination; have used every exertion to ascertain before whom I could be brought for an examination.

HDQRS. CITY GUARD, PROVOST-MARSHAL'S OFFICE,
Washington, D. C., October 15, 1861.

Brigadier General A. PORTER, Provost-Marshal.

DEAR SIR: Inclosed I hand you reports in the cases of John S. Emerson,* Alfred Nettleton, John W. Burson and Thomas Hitchcock, now confined in the city jail on suspicion of disloyalty to the Government. Emerson and Hitchcock have been there since about the 2nd and 3rd of July respectively and Nettleton and Burson since the 11th of September, all being unable to obtain an examination. I submit that they are entitled to an early hearing or more property a discharge.

From information that I have of the sanitary condition of the place in which they are confined I further deem it my duty to suggest that if it should be thought best to keep them in confinement any longer they should at least be removed to more comfortable and healthy quarters, if there are any such belonging to the Government unoccupied. I was unable to find any papers on record in the cases of Nettleton, Burson, and Hitchock.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

E. J. ALLEN.

[Inclosure Numbers 1.]

HDQRS. CITY GUARD, PROVOST-MARSHAL'S OFFICE,
Washington, D. C., October 15, 1861.

Brigadier General A. PORTER, Provost-Marshal.

DEAR SIR: I have the honor to report that John W. Burson, a U. S. prison now confined in the city jail here, makes the following statement to an operative of mine datailed to examine him in prison. He states that he was born near Middleburg, Va., that he is twenty-seven years of age; that the was lately a clerk in the Interior Department; that previous to getting the situation he resided at Belmont, Belmont County, Ohio; that he was in company with Mr. Nettleton and was arrested at the same time, September 11; that he has never been able to ascertain what the charge was against him; that he has never had an examination or been able to obtain one, and that he is a Union man and is perfectly willing to take the oath of allegiance.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

E. J. ALLEN.

[Inclosure Numbers 2.]

HDQRS. CITY GUARD, PROVOST-MARSHAL'S OFFICE,
Washington, D. C., October 15, 1861.

Brigadier General A. PORTER, Provost-Marshal.

DEAR SIR: I have the honor to report that Thomas Hitchock, a political prisoner confined in the city jail, states to one of my operatives detailed to examine him in prison that he lives near Vander-

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* See case of Emerson, p. 354 et seq.

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