"Your obedient servant,
"Q. A. Gillmore, Brigadier-General."
Colonel Utley, instead of sending the men, replied:—
"Permit me to say, that I recognize your authority to command me in all military matters pertaining to the military movements of the army. I do not look upon this as belonging to that department. I recognize no authority on the subject of delivering up contrabands save that of the President of the United States.
"You are, no doubt, conversant with that Proclamation, dated Sept. 22, 1862, and the law of Congress on the subject. In conclusion, I will say, that I had nothing to do with their coming into camp, and shall have nothing to do with sending them out."
The note was despatched to division head-quarters. Soon after an officer called upon Colonel Utley.
"You are wanted, sir, at General Gillmore's quarters."
Colonel Utley made his appearance before General Gillmore.
"I sent you an order this evening."
"Yes, sir, and I refused to obey it."