HDQRS. MILITARY DISTRICT OF FORT MONROE,
May 18, 1866.

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

GENERAL: I have the honor to report no change in the health of state prisoner Jefferson Davis since yesterday's report. Owing to the heavy rains he has taken but little exercise in the last two days.

Most respectfully, your obedient servant,

NELSON A. MILES,

Major-General, U. S. Volunteers.

WAR DEPARTMENT, ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE,

May 19, 1866.

Major General N. A. MILES, U. S. Volunteers,

Commanding, &c., Fort Monroe, Va.:

SIR: Your letter of the 16th instant has been submitted to the Secretary of War. In reply I have respectfully to inform you that the Secretary does not approve the permission being given to reporters of newspapers to pass within the fort for the purpose indicated.

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

E. D. TOWNSEND,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HDQRS. MILITARY DISTRICT OF FORT MONROE,
Fort Monroe, Va., May 19, 1866.

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

GENERAL: I have the honor to report that state prisoner J. Davis complains to-day of suffering from neuralgia; otherwise he seems very comfortable.

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

NELSON A. MILES,

Major-General, U. S. Volunteers.

ATTORNEY-GENERAL'S OFFICE,

Washington, May 21, 1866.

The PRESIDENT:

SIR: Permit me to suggest that an order be made permitting Charles O'Conor and George Shea, esqs., the counsel of Jefferson Davis, to have access to and private interviews with him. I would also suggest that Mr. Davis be permitted the freedom of the grounds of the fortress during the daytime under his parole.

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

JAMES SPEED,

Attorney-General.

[First indorsement.]

MAY 22, 1866.

Approved and referred to the Secretary of War for the necessary orders to carry into effect the recommendations of the Attorney-General.

ANDREW JOHNSON.