Bsf Orter to E.D. Townsend, May 21, 1861

Col. E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant-General, Headquarters of the Army:

COLONEL: In the absence of General Patterson I forward the accompanying report of the capture of parties engaged in the burning of bridges. I suggested to Colonel Dare that he should ascertain if the civil authorities in the district where the offense was committed would take cognizance of these cases, and hold the men by bail to appear in future; if they would do so, to turn them over, first (as I understand they are responsible persons) requiring them to take oath to commit — -no act of hostility against the United States. If the civil authorities

a red we Eee ti, ue } Car. 1X.]_ CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.—UNION.

will receive these men I think the effect of offering them will be a happy one. ~ I am, colonel,

very respectfully, your obedient servant,