DEPARTMENT OF STATE, Washington, February 5, 1862.

ROBERT MURRAY, Esq., U. S. Marshal, New York.

SIR: I have to acknowledge the receipt of your communication* of the 4th instant reporting that you had transferred all the privateers confined in the city prisons of New York to Fort Lafayette except two, Thomas Palmer and John O'Brien, who are invalids. You further report that you delivered Mr. Palmer to the Sisters of Mercy and sent Mr. O'Brien to the lunatic asylum on Blackwell's Island. In reply I have to inform you that your proceedings are entirely approved.

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

F. W. SEWARD,

Assistant Secretary.

HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, February 5, 1862.

Brigadier-General McDOWELL, Arlington:

General McClellan desires that you direct the staff officer who received the dispatch from Lieutenant-Colonel Harrison (from General J. E. Johnston) to give him a written receipt for it and inform him that it has been duly transmitted to headquarters and to state to him verbally that he need not wait for a reply.

S. WILLIAMS,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, February 5, 1862.

Brigadier-General BUELL, Louisville, Ky.:

General McClellan says you can make arrangements to exchange your prisoners and desires to be informed how many are left after the exchange is made.

A. V. COLBURN,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

ARLINGTON, February 5, 1862.

General WILLIAMS:

I have just received the following:

UPTON'S HILL.

Captain S. BRECK, Assistant Adjutant-General:

I received below late last night. I sent out your telegram advising that answer could not be expected before 9 o'clock this morning.

JAMES S. WADSWORTH,

Brigadier-General.

OUTPOST, McDOWELL'S DIVISION, February 5.

General WADSWORTH:

May I ask the favor of you to endeavor to procure for me from General McClellan an official acknowledgment of the receipt of the dispatches borne by me and information respecting the time when I may expect an answer or if it be necessary for me to remain longer and the means to be employed in forwarding a reply to General Johnston? As yet I am in entire suspense on these questions and am unable to determine whether to return of remain longer.

Hoping to hear from you at your earliest convenience and with thanks for your polite attention, I am, sir, very respectfully,

JULIEN HARRISON,

Lieutenant-Colonel Sixth Virginia Cavalry.

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*Not found.

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