COMMISSION RELATING TO STATE PRISONERS,

New York, April 8, 1862.

Honorable EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War.

SIR: We have the honor to inform you that we have had the case of Mr. William H. Child under consideration and have recommitted him to Fort Lafayette, and respectfully recommend that he be continued in confinement.

We have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOHN A. DIX,

EDWARDS PIERREPONT,

Commissioners.

WASHINGTON, December 12, 1862.

Colonel MARTIN BURKE, Commanding, Fort Lafayette:

You will discharge from custody William H. Child * * * on [his] taking oath of allegiance or an oath not to aid in any way the rebellion. * * *

By order of the Secretary of War:

L. C. TURNER,

Judge-Advocate.

FORT LAFAYETTE, New York Harbor, December 13, 1862.

Lieutenant Colonel MARTIN BURKE,

Commanding, &c., Fort Hamilton, New York Harbor.

COLONEL: In obedience to your instructions I have released from custody * * * William H. Child.

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

CHAS. O. WOOD,

First Lieutenant, Ninth Infantry, Commanding Post.

BALTIMORE, MD., February 11, 1863.

Colonel W. HOFFMAN, Washington.

DEAR SIR: I went to Fort Monroe, Va., as directed, to report to Lieutenant-Colonel Ludlow for exchange, but did not find olonel Ludlow to report in person. The marshal informed me at about the time the boat was leaving that Colonel Ludlow hadgone away, and that I must return to Baltimore, there being no accommodations at Fort Monroe. I have reported my case to Marshal McPhail here, who will undoubtedly be able to inform me in due time when the next ruce boat is to leave Fort Monroe, but having unavoidably come short of your specific directions in not reporting in person to Colonel Ludlow, I deem this explanation proper. Any further directions or orders you might see fit to give that would expedite my movements homeward I do assure you, sir, would be most highly appreciated.

Very respectfully,

WM. H. CHILD.