Quincy A. Gillmore to H. W. Hauieck, December 6, 1863

Maj. Gen. H. W. Hauieck, General-in-Chief, U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.: GENERAL : In answer to your communications of the 19th ultimo, in reference to alleged violation of General Orders, No. 88, from the War Department, I have the honor to state that whenever permits to trade have been granted by me, the intention has been to merel declare my assent as the military commander, in addition to whic the trader was ge poutee to obtain the proper papers from the officers of the Treasury Department. It was not contemplated by any act of mine to relieve the trader from responsibility to the Treasury Department.

In the two cases specially referred to in your letter, the usual clause of the permit, distinctly requiring compliance with Treasury regulations, was inadvertently omitted, but this clause has only been introduced since Mr. Brown assumed the duties of Treasury agent here. His predecessor did not regard it as necessary. Since Mr. Prom has made his views known, this clause has always been inserted.

The cotton referred to by Mr. Brown was captured from the enemy and was never formally turned over to the agents of the Treasury Department. It was retained to be used for military purposes and part of it was so used; the remainder is ready to be turned over.

I will add that since the receipt of your letter I have communicated freely with Mr. Brown, and that there is no longer any conflict of authority or any misunderstanding in regard to these matters.

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