File XVII
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.