The President directs that the execution of sentence of death against Gordon, now in Fort McHenry, be suspended until further orders.
(Signed) E. M. Stanton,
Sec. of War.
FILE VI.
Detective work required an extension of territory—A flattering endorsement by Colonel Porter—Introducing Christian Emmerich and incidentally Charles E. Langley, a noted Confederate spy.
For the purpose of showing how I grew in the service I will ask you to read each order carefully. Sometimes they explain themselves, sometimes not.
Investigations started in the prisons required work to be done outside the garrison, throughout Maryland and perhaps into Virginia, which would carry me outside our post limits and required authority from Department commanders. The Department comprised Maryland, parts of Delaware and Virginia. The following personal letter was addressed to Colonel W. S. Fish, Provost Marshal under General Schenck:
Headquarters, Fort McHenry,
Nov. 27, 1863.
Dear Colonel.—Our Assistant Provost Marshal, Lieut. Smith, has got hold of a sloop and her Captain. He was to be examined before you, but Smith says that McPhail's men have other and earlier accounts to settle with him. I suggest this as you may have a great deal to do and may prefer to transfer the case to those already familiar with it.
Very truly,
P. A. Porter,
Col. 8th N. Y. V. Arty.,
Com'd'g Post.
The following will show my progress in such matters: