William B. Franklin to Seth Williams, August 24, 1861

Maj. S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant-General :

MAJOR: I received information a few days ago which led me to believe that a correspondence between the Maryland and Virginia sides – of the river was kept up by means of small boats, which were kept hidden when not in use in marshes near the mouth of Hunting Creek. I sent to the commanding officer of the Perry, the vessel of war which lies off the town, and asked him to send a boat-with a guide, whom I would furnish, to look after these small boats, and if possible catch the men engaged in this business. Yesterday he called to see me, and in- : formed me that he could not make the search without direct orders from the Secretary of the Navy. I then asked him if he would search such boats as might be caught in the act of passing and he declined, on the ground that officers of the Navy must be very careful in making searches of boats, &c. I report these facts because the matter in question isimportant, and in case of emergency it might be necessary to get an order trom the Secretary of the Navy to fire on the enemy on the same principle. l :

Very respectfully,