"Baltimore, Md., September 8, 1861.
"To Hon. Geo. Wm. Brown, Mayor of the City of Baltimore.
"Sir:—Reasons of state, which I deem imperative, demand that the payment of compensation to the members of the old city police, who were, by a resolution of the Board of Police Commissioners, dated the 27th of Jane last, declared 'off duty,' and whose places were filled in pursuance of an order of Major-General Banks of the same date, should cease. I therefore direct, by virtue of the authority vested in me as commanding officer of the military forces of the United States in Baltimore and its vicinity, that no further payment be made to them.
"Independently of all other considerations, the continued compensation of a body of men who have been suspended in their functions by the order of the Government, is calculated to bring its authority into disrespect; and the extraction from the citizens of Baltimore by taxation, in a time of general depression and embarrassment, of a sum amounting to several hundred thousand dollars a year for the payment of nominal officials who render it no service, cannot fail by creating widespread dissatisfaction to disturb the quietude of the city, which I am most anxious to preserve.
"I feel assured that the payment would have been voluntarily discontinued by yourself, as a violation of the principle on which all compensation is bestowed—as a remuneration for an equivalent service actually performed—had you not considered yourself bound by existing laws to make it.
"This order will relieve you from the embarrassment, and I do not doubt that it will be complied with.
"I am, very respectfully,
"Your obedient servant,
"John A. Dix,
"Major-General Commanding."
"Mayor's Office, City Hall,