Part 9 (1/2)
Colonel.--I have the honor to report that Officer Horner arrested William W. Sh.o.r.e, who is, or has been the correspondent of the New York World and News. He says he left Fort Monroe on Feb. 14, and used to forward Rebel papers to New York, until he was ordered away by General Butler.
Enclosed herewith is the telegram on which he was arrested.
I am Colonel,
Very respy. your obdt. servt., H. B. SMITH, Lieut. Comdg. D. C.
Headquarters, Middle Department, 8th Army Corps, Baltimore, May 14, 1864.
Special Order No. 40.
Guard in charge of John Gillock, political prisoner, will proceed to Fort McHenry. On arrival you will report to Commanding Officer, deliver charge with accompanying papers, receive receipt and return to these headquarters without delay.
By command, Major General Wallace.
JOHN WOOLLEY, Lt. Col. and Provost Marshal.
I remember this young man very well. He was from Richmond. Subsequently, after testing his reliability, I made use of him for detective purposes.
He was well acquainted with General Winder's men, hence his value to us.
FILE XIII.
Ordered to seize all copies of the New York ”World,” bringing in one of the great war episodes, the Bogus Presidential Proclamation--Governor Seymour's queer vigor appears.
Headquarters, Middle Department, 8th Army Corps, Baltimore, May 18, 1864.
Provost Guards, or U. S. Detectives.
Seize all copies of the New York World of this date, that may arrive from New York, or that you can find in the city.
By command, Major General Wallace.
JOHN WOOLLEY, Lt. Col. and Provost Marshal.
This order is innocent enough in its appearance, but it is really the executive action upon a subject almost as vital in its effects as any of the great battles of the war.
Under date of May 17th a proclamation, calling for four hundred thousand more troops, purporting to be from President Lincoln, was issued, and was published in certain papers; among them the New York ”World”. The following is a copy:
Executive Mansion, May 17, 1864.
Fellow Citizens of the United States:
In all seasons of exigency it becomes a nation carefully to scrutinize its line of conduct, humbly to approach the throne of Grace, and meekly to implore forgiveness, wisdom, and guidance.