Papers Relating to Foreign Affairs, Accompanying the Annual Message of the President to the First Session Thirty-eighth Congress, Part I

Major Turner to Mr. Hunter.

War Department, Washington City, May 2, 1863.

Sir: In answer to your note and accompaniment, of 28th ultimo, relative to Mr. J, Hardcastle, I have the honor to report:

That Mr. Hardcastle is a British subject, and has resided in the United States about eight years.

That he has been in Charleston, Savannah, Mobile, Jackson, Miss., Montgomery, Atlanta, Richmond, &c.

That he left Richmond about three weeks ago with a pass from the rebel Winder, indorsed by the rebel General Lee.

That he had no permit to go south from the federal authorities, nor any to return north from federal authorities.

That he came into the federal lines by a flag-of-truce boat, (he says,) at Port Conway, and was sent to General Patrick, provost marshal of the army of the Potomac, and by him sent to Washington to Captain Todd, provost marshal, and sent to the Old Capitol prison.

He was arrested and committed for passing or attempting to pass through the federal lines, from the insurgents, and without a permit from the federal authorities.

His case is under investigation.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

L. C. TURNER, Judge Advocate.

Hon. W. Hunter, Acting Secretary of State.