A Confederate Letter
The following discloses how perfectly the Confederate government
understood the travelled route through the lines. It was by way of their
signal station on the Potomac, that was their official channel. I was
determined to break it up.
Westmorland and Northumberland counties, Virginia, are the south shore
of the Potomac river. Mosby, or at least part of his command, covered
this country.
Confederate States of America,
War Department, Ordnance Bureau,
Richmond, June 30, 1864.
Captain:
The bearer, Mr. White, is confided in as trustworthy. He
desires information as to the best mode of proceeding to
Maryland.
I will thank you to give him any assistance you can
consistently.
Mr. W. is engaged in procuring stores for the Government,
through the blockade.
Very respy. your obdt. servt.,
J. GORGAS, Col.
Chief of Ordnance.
To Capt. Barker,
In charge Signal Corps.
Approved,
By order,
J. A. Campbell,
A. Sec. War.
July 1, 1864.
This has endorsed on it:
Signal Bureau,
Richmond, July 1, 1864.
The officers in charge of Signal Station on Potomac, will
furnish Mr. White any assistance in their power, in crossing
into Maryland.
WM. M. BARKER,
Capt. in ch. Signal Corps.
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