feel encouraged by the change of treatment. Clay's health is improving very fast. He is much stronger and his nerves are much steadier than when he first entered the fort. Mitchel exercises a great deal in his cell, walking many miles a day, and says he has nothing to complain of.

I am, general, with respect, your obedient servant,

NELSON A. MILES,

Brevet Major-General of Volunteers, Commanding.

HDQRS. MILITARY DISTRICT OF FORT MONROE,
Fort Monroe, Va., July 26, 1865.

General E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant-General:

GENERAL: I have the honor to report the health of the prisoner Davis as improving. He exercised yesterday and was allowed to read the New York Times.*

I am, with great respect, your obedient servant,

NELSON A. MILES,

Brevet Major-General of Volunteers, Commanding.

WAR DEPARTMENT, ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE,

Washington, July 26, 1865.

Honorable J. S. BLACK, York, Pa.:

SIR: I am directed by the Secretary of War to acknowledge your note of the 24th instant, and to say in reply that the President declines to grant your request to visit and confer with Clement C. Clay, a prisoner in military custody at Fort Monroe.

When the time and place of Mr. Clay's trial shall be determined the President will afford every proper facility for counsel to aid and assist him in his defense. Any further communication you may desire to make on the subject you will please address to the Attorney-General.

Your obedient servant,

E. D. TOWNSEND,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

WAR DEPARTMENT, ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE,

Washington, July 27, 1865.

Major General J. HOOKER,

Commanding Department of the East, New York City:

By direction of the Secretary of War the commandant at Fort Warren is authorized to extend to Mr. Stephens any indulgence and freedom from close confinement that may be beneficial to his health, and to allow him to have free enjoyment of books, papers, and society, with exercise in the open air, and furnish him such indulgence in fruits, food, and beverages as may be agreeble to him and beneficial to his health, using proper precautions for his safe detention, or taking his parole to remain in custody and make no effort to escape. He may receive the visits of his family and personal friends under such restrictions as the proper police of the may require. Acknowledge receipt.

E. D. TOWNSEND,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

---------------

* General Miles' daily reports representing Mr. Davis as "well" are omitted.

---------------