Quincy A. Gillmore to U. S. Volunteers, August 30, 1863

General G. W. CuLLum, U. S. Volunteers: My Dear GENERAL: I placed all the reporters under arrest when I received General Halleck’s orders to do so. I found, however, that there were men on board the gunboats, or rather a man, who gave more important information than any of the reporters on land, and that the end in view could not be accomplished by literally carrying out the terms of the order. I have, therefore, retained the representatives of the press here until I could report to you, which I now do, unofficially. Unless all reporters operating here can be restrained, no good can be secured by half-way measures. The individual I refer to is Mr. Fulton, of the Baltimore American. I think he represents the Post-Office Department in some way or another. I make no suggestions. Sincerely, your friend,

Q. A. GILLMORE,