Headquarters, Middle Department,
8th Army Corps,
Baltimore May 3, 1864.
Lieut. Col. Woolley,
Provost Marshal.
Colonel.—I have the honor to report that this evening we arrested James A. Winn, a member of Co. E. 1st Md. Rebel Cavalry, in a house, No. 42 Saratoga street. He was dressed as a citizen; under his coat, with the flaps rolled back, was his uniform jacket. His coat was buttoned, thus hiding his uniform. He wore a black slouch hat.
I placed the inmates of the house, Mrs. Hall and Miss McAlden in arrest, and searched the premises.
Both of these ladies admitted they were aware of Winn's character, and that their sympathies were with the South. I found nothing contraband in the house. They live neatly, but are evidently poor. Miss McAlden remarked that they were too poor to aid the South even if they were so disposed.
I have a guard in charge of the house awaiting your disposition of the case.
Messrs. Allen and Sampson, clerks at Department Headquarters, are, I am informed, boarding at this house.
I am Colonel,
Very respy, your obdt. servant,
H. B. Smith,
Lt. Com'd'g D. C.
The papers and pocketbook that I handed you were found on his person.
Any incautious information dropped by Allen or Sampson was likely to be immediately reported to the Confederate authorities. The Department was honeycombed with just such points of insecurity, leaks which it was my duty to stop.