One of Gilmor's officers I subsequently captured. He had come into our lines, having one of those "remount" leaves from his command. It was not proposed to treat him as severely as a spy, but to hold him as a prisoner of war. I did not make him aware of this, however, but left him under the stress of the impression that he might fear the worst, and I proposed to him that we would permit him to return to his command provided he would agree to make it easy for General Sheridan's scouts to capture Harry. I knew my man and had confidence he would carry out his part of the bargain, especially since the stake played for was, as he supposed, his life. I let him go, and advised General Sheridan of the arrangement. The following is the acknowledgment of my communication:
Provost Marshal's office,
Headquarters, Middle Military Division.
Winchester, Va., Jany. 25, 1865.
Lieut. Smith.
Dear Sir.—I have submitted your communication to General Sheridan, and he has taken action in the case.
With respect,
John A. Gernos.
The expedition connected with the following pass through the pickets at Harper's Ferry was pertaining to Gilmor's capture:
Office Provost Marshal,
Military District of Harper's Ferry.
Jany. 27, 1865.
Guards and Pickets will pass Capt. H. B. Smith to any place about the Ferry, Sandy Hook, or Berlin.
Good for two days.
By order of Brigadier General Stevenson.