| By the President. | Abraham Lincoln. |
I especially call attention to the dates of these papers.
I would like to put in parallel columns Mr. Stanton's order for arrest or confinement in Old Capitol, and his parole, wherein the words, "dangerous man, disloyal, Rebel spy," etc., were used.
The above copy of the original commission is furnished to the person named therein, the original commission having been destroyed or irrecoverably lost. This commission is not now effective, having expired previous to this date.
C. McKeever,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
War Department, Adjutant-General's Office,April 29, 1885.
COPY OF MY BREVET COMMISSION.
Office of Chief Signal Officer,, Washington, D. C., January, 1865. Sir: I am directed to inform you that the Chief Signal Officer desires to send to the General of the Army your recommendation for brevet. You are requested, therefore, to forward to this office copies of any papers bearing upon your services which may be in your possession.
It is the object of the Chief Signal Officer to secure whatever material may influence to favorable action in the case.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Richard P. Strong,
Acting Chief Signal Officer.
| Office of Chief Signal Officer,, | |
| Washington, D. C., January, 1865. |
This accounts for my "Captain-Major's" title. Promotions in this branch were rare—indeed, there were none; but I enjoyed, as a General Staff-officer, all the privileges and none of the responsibilities of the rank of a Major-General.
As I have indicated, I stayed till it was over, and would do it again.
As the reader will have seen, the work of a Spy is at all times unpleasant, exceedingly dangerous as well as thankless.
It is, however, a necessary service in war. There is with some minds a vague impression that this secret service necessarily implies deceit and treachery. This is so only in the same sense that the strategy so often applied by the General is treachery.