William H. Seward to Wm. Stuart, September 18, 1862

Mr. Seward to Mr. Stuart.

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note of the 16th instant in regard to Francis Carroll, and it gives me much pleasure to admit all the liberality and candor of the sentiments upon that subject which you have expressed.

I transmit, herewith, a note relating to the same case, which I have just received from Major Turner, assistant judge advocate general, to whom the subject of Carroll’s detention was referred by the honorable Secretary of War. In view of the additional light thrown upon the case by this letter, and of the further fact that the invading insurgents who entered Maryland for the purpose of producing an armed uprising of the disloyal inhabitants there have not yet left the State, I have felt obliged to acquiesce in the opinion of the War Department, that it would be hazardous to the public safety to discharge Francis Carroll from confinement at the present time. I will, however, with pleasure, recur to the subject after some little delay, if you desire it.

I have the honor to be, with high consideration, sir, your obedient servant,