Unknown to E.D. Townsend, July 8, 1861

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

Four men, parties to the seizure of the St. Nicholas, were arrested on board the Mary Washington this evening. The officers and sailors of the St. Nicholas on board the Mary Washington identified the prisoners. The leader had a commission as colonel of the Virginia army, dated July 1,and signed by Governor Letcher. He was secreted in a bureau when arrested. Captain Williams, who arrested him, identified him as a West Point student. —

Hpagrs. DEPARTMENT NORTHEASTERN Virginia,