to and from Virginia and also that he was an authorized agent of the rebel army. On the 9th of January, 1862, an order was issued by the Secretary of State directing the release of Dent and others on their taking the oath of allegiance, &c. January 11, 1862, Brigadier-General Porter, provost-marshal of Washington, returned to the Department of State the order for the release of Dent and others with the following indorsement upon it. * The said George Dent, sr., remained in custody at the Old Capitol Prison in Washington February 15, 1862.

The first intelligence received by the Secretary of State in regard to George Dent, Jr., was an application for his release from the Old Capitol. On the 9th of January, 1862, an order was made by the Secretary of State directing the release of said Dent and others on his taking the oath of allegiance, &c. January 11, 1862, Brigadier-General Porter, provost-marshal of Washington, returned the order for the release of Dent and others with the following indorsement upon it. * Brigadier-General Porter states in his letter returning the order for the release of Dent and others as follows:

I would respectfully represent that the above-named prisoners (Dent and others) are of the most dangerous character and have been actively engaged in furnishing information to the rebels and in transporting men to Virginia for the purpose of joining the rebel army as also in the nightly transportation of contraband goods to the enemy.

The said Dent remained in custody at the Old Capitol Prison in Washington February 15, 1862, when he was transferred to the charge of the War Department. --From Record Book, State Department, "Arrests for Disloyalty. "

DEPARTMENT OF STATE, Washington, October 18, 1861.

Brigadier General ANDREW PORTER, Provost-Marshal, Washington.

GENERAL: Will you have the kindness to report to this Department the proofs in the case of George F. Harbin, a prisoner confined at the Thirteenth Street Prison?

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

F. W. SEWARD,

Assistant Secretary.

DEPARTMENT OF STATE, Washington, October 18, 1861.

Brigadier General DANIEL E. SICKLES.

GENERAL: * * * I have also to request that you will remit at the same time the proofs in the case of one [S. G.] Acton arrested by your order. Please return this inclosure.

I am, general, your obedient servant,

F. W. SEWARD,

Assistant Secretary.

DEPARTMENT OF STATE, Washington, October 22, 1861.

Brigadier General DANIEL E. SICKLES, Excelsior Brigade, Good Hope.

GENERAL: Your communication of the 19th instant+ relative to * * * Acton with the inclosure has been duly received.

I am, general, your obedient servant,

F. W. SEWARD,

Acting Secretary.

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*Omitted; same as in preceding cases.

+Not found.

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