WM. N. Barker to Samuel Cooper, August 8, 1864

S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General:

GENERAL: There being at present several of those employed on our secret service lines who have no defined position in the service, being but volunteers, receiving no pay, and over whom we possess in fact no power or right to control, I respectfully request that such authority may issue from your department as will empower me to direct that such men under the employ of the Signal Bureau who belong to no company or command shall immediately join some military organization with the understanding that they be at once detailed for assignment to the same duty on which they may be at the time employed. ‘Many of them are excellent and efficient men and could not easily be replaced. Theirservices were accepted by Major Norris, who retained them simply as volunteers. Should they fall into the hands of the enemy we could not demand their exchange and they are not responsible to the chief of bureau, or any one else having the power, if they at any time deem it best to leave the corps, however necessary their services might be at the time, nor could we hold them responsible for disobedience of orders. Besides, if these men are liable to conscription, it might appear that this office was in a manner harboring them unlawfully. I would most respectfully suggest that the Bureau be furnished with the views of the department on the subject at as early a day as practicable.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,