FORT HAMILTON, New York Harbor, August 25, 1861.

Lieutenant Colonel E. D. TOWNSEND,

Assistant Adjutant-General, Washington City, D. C.

COLONEL: I have this day received from Officers Elder and Wilson a state prisoner whom they tell me is Mr. Berret, ex-mayor of Washington, with orders from the Secretary of War to retain [him] in custody af Fort Lafayetter until otherewise ordered by the War Department. He is now at Fort Lafayette.

* * * *

Very respectully, your obedient servant,

MARTIN BURKE,

Lieutenant-Colonel, U. S. Army, Commanding.

NEW YORK, September 11, 1861.

Honorable WILLIAM H. SEWARD, Secretary of State:

My brother, James G. Berret, mayor of Washington, who ever has been true to every principle of the Union, will take any oath in its support that is required. Will this release him? Answer care of Charles Stetson, Astor House.

JOSEPH H. BERRET.

DEPARTMENT OF STATE, Washington, September 12, 1861.

Colonel MARTIN BURKE, Fort Hamilton, N. Y.

COLONEL: The Honorable James G. Berret, a political prisoner at Fort Lafayette, will be discharged from confinement on taking the oath of allegiance to the United States prescribed by the recent act of Congress and resigning the office of mayor of the city of Washington.

I am, colonel, your obedient servant,

WILLIAM H. SEWARD.

HUNTER'S POINT, September 14, 1861.

W. H. SEWARD:

No order has been received at Frot Lafayette for discharge of J. G. Berrest. Do send one immediately.

W. H. LUDLOW.

WASHINGTONJ, Septebmer 14, 1861.

Colonel MARTIN BURKE, Fort Hamilton:

On the 12st instant I addressed the following letter to you:

The Honorable James G. Berret, a political prisoner at Fort Lafayette, will be discharged from confinement on taking the oath of allegiance to the United States prescribed by the recent act of Congress and resigning the office of mayor of the city of Washington.

Please discharge him accordingly on receipt of this should he be in custody still.

WILLIAM H. SEWARD,

Secretary of State.