Mr. Kennedy, United States marshal, to Mr. Black, Attorney-General.
Hon. J. S. Black, Attorney-General:
[636] I returned this morning from Southwest Pass with about seventy-five prisoners, which I left with two of my officers at the barracks, the place designated by the collector, and four of the leaders, Anderson, Maury, Fayssoux, and Scott, who came with me to the city to appear before the commissioner. Their arrest was accomplished without the military, which was kept out of sight, they declaring that they surrendered to the civil power alone. When they perceived the troops on board the steamer, their *excitement was uncontrollable, and if I had not requested Captain Ricketts to take his command on another steamer lying alongside, a scene of violence and slaughter would have been the inevitable consequence, as these men were generally armed to the teeth. I may require the steamer for a few days for different purposes. Shall I keep her? It would be imprudent (such is also the opinion of Captain Ricketts) to set a military guard over these men, who have many sympathisers here, and I have applied in vain for assistance to the chief of police. Will you alleviate my immense responsibility in this matter, by suggesting some means by which I can secure their custody.
United States Marshal.