Between the Lines Part 32

Martin was the representative of the Confederate Treasury Department. I recovered his correspondence with Secretary Trenholm. It was understood that the proceeds of the sale of this tobacco was to go to Paris to help pay Confederate debts incurred there.

FILE x.x.xVIII.

Secretary of War consulted about the extension of our territory to include the district between the Rappahannock and the Potomac rivers--Robert Loudan, alias Charles Veal, a boat burner and spy--A kidnapped colored boy.

Headquarters, Middle Department, 8th Army Corps.

Baltimore, Mch. 18, 1865.

Lieut. Smith:

I want to see you at the office this evening at 7.30.

The Secretary of War wants to see you in Washington, and you will have to go to-morrow morning.

Yours, &c., S. B. LAWRENCE, A. Adjutant General.

I do not remember what the Secretary wanted, but as the following order issued the next day, I a.s.sume it was to learn more of my purpose in the extended territory asked for:

War Department, Washington, D. C., Mch. 20, 1865.

Major W. H. Wiegel:

Provost Marshal at Baltimore is authorized to extend his operations into the region between the Potomac and Rappahannock Rivers known as the northern neck of Virginia.

(Signed) C. A. DANA, a.s.st. Secretary of War.

Headquarters, Department of Missouri, Office of Provost Marshal General, St. Louis, Mo., Mch. 21, 1865.

Provost Marshal General, Middle Department, Baltimore, Md.

Sir.--In October last, the Military Prisons of this city being in danger from the Rebel forces under Major General Sterling Price, it was deemed prudent by General Rosecrans, then in command of this Department, to transfer the occupants to the Alton Prison. While this transfer was in progress, one of the prisoners, Robert Loudan, alias Charles Veal, made his escape from the guards by cutting his irons and jumping from the boat into the river. He was then under sentence of death for being a spy and a boat burner.

Loudan was lately heard from at New Orleans, where it was reported he was in the custody of the Military authorities, by whom he was subsequently released for the want of sufficient evidence to hold him.

It is possible he has gone beyond our lines, but, if not, he would be likely to make for some of the large cities of the loyal States.

Loudan is a native of Philadelphia, where his wife now resides; height, about five feet eight inches; complexion, fair; large blue eyes constantly rolling and displaying a great deal of white; hair and whiskers, fair; square shoulders; usually wears a false moustache; wears his hat on the back of his head.

This office is charged with his execution, and will incur any amount of trouble to recapture him. If he is found within the limits of your jurisdiction, please secure and forward him to me or notify me of his arrest and I will send for him.

Very respectfully, Your obdt. servt., J. H. BAKER, Col. & Provost Marshal.

Headquarters, Middle Department, 8th Army Corps.

Baltimore, Mch. 31, 1865.

Special Order No. 55.

Lieut. H. B. Smith, 5th N. Y. H. Arty., Commanding Detective Corps, Middle Department, 8th Army Corps, will proceed to Washington, D. C., for the recovery of a colored boy, kidnapped from Norfolk, Virginia, and will report to the Provost Marshal of Washington, for any a.s.sistance he may require.

By command of Bvt. Brigadier General W. W. Morris.

WM. H. WIEGEL, Major & Actg. Provost Marshal.

FILE x.x.xIX.

The chase after the steamer "Harriet Deford," which was captured by pirates, supposedly to supply a means of escape to Jefferson Davis from the crumbling Confederacy--Captain Fitzhugh.

Headquarters, Middle Department, 8th Army Corps.

Baltimore, Apl. 5, 1865.

Major:

I have written to Commodore Dornin requesting him to send a small steamer in pursuit of the "Harriet Deford," if he has one ready, and to permit Lieut. Smith and his guard to accompany her.

If Commodore Dornin can not send a steamer I have written to Colonel Newport, to request him to place a tug at your disposal.

You will please see that Smith goes in Command with sufficient guard and ammunition. If you want a Howitzer, send to C. O.

Fort McHenry, or let the steamer stop there and get it.

Very respy. your obdt. servt., SAMUEL B. LAWRENCE, A. Adjutant General.

To Major Wiegel.

Commandant's Office.

Naval Station, Baltimore, Apl. 5, 1865.