en about a mile from Fair Haven, Fitzhugh compelled the
Engineer to sound the steam whistle three times, in answer to
which signal three boats containing thirty-two men put off
from each side of the river and stood for the Steamer. The
crews of these boats having been taken aboard, the Steamer was
headed down Chesapeake Bay. On the way down Captain Leage,
Captain Dayton, officer in charge of the Steamer and several
old gentlemen with ladies and children, were placed on board
of the Schooner Hiawatha, bound for this city. The balance of
male passengers, Engineer, Fireman, and twenty colored
freedmen were retained as prisoners.

The Deford was valued at fifty thousand dollars and had a
cargo of tobacco, potatoes, grain, furs, &c., valued at eighty
thousand dollars. Fitzhugh would not permit his men to rob
passengers.

The captured Steamer is a fast sailer, having repeatedly made
fourteen knots per hour. The intention of the pirates could
not be learned, but it is supposed they will endeavor to run
outside the Capes, transfer the cargo to a larger vessel, burn
the Deford, and proceed to Nassau.

The paroled passengers arrived here this morning. One of them
positively asserts that Jeff. Davis was among the party who
came out in small boats, but no reliance whatever can be
placed in the possibility of Jeff. having thus escaped from
Richmond. The receipt of this news caused great excitement
here, and measures looking to the defence of the Bay boats are
being made.

A steamer has also been despatched to intercept the pirates
before they reach the Capes."

FILE XL.

Ordered to Northern Neck of Virginia the day before President Lincoln's
assassination--Martin Van Buren Morgan's statement, and order for his
disposal.

At this time in 1865 General Lee was about surrendering. All the people,
North and South, were rejoicing at the prospect of peace, excepting
those bitter, poisoned-with-their-own-venom conspirators hid away in
dark corners, who were rehearsing for the closing scene.

Headquarters, Middle Department,
8th Army Corps.
Baltimore, Apl. 13, 1865.

Special Order No. 61.

1st Lieut. H. B. Smith, in accordance with instructions
received from the Hon. Secretary of War, will proceed to that
part of Virginia known as the Northern