y to complete the execution of the order. That was not a
cheerful prospect for me. I had twenty-four hours for serious
contemplation; suppose the men should aim wrong? Then I would be
compelled to shoot the man as a mere cold duty. We were spared its
execution by the following telegraphic order:

War Department,
Nov. 20, 1863.

Major General Schenck:

The President directs that the execution of sentence of death
against Gordon, now in Fort McHenry, be suspended until
further orders.

(Signed) E. M. STANTON,
Sec. of War.

FILE VI.

Detective work required an extension of territory--A flattering
endorsement by Colonel Porter--Introducing Christian Emmerich and
incidentally Charles E. Langley, a noted Confederate spy.

For the purpose of showing how I grew in the service I will ask you to
read each order carefully. Sometimes they explain themselves, sometimes
not.

Investigations started in the prisons required work to be done outside
the garrison, throughout Maryland and perhaps into Virginia, which would
carry me outside our post limits and required authority from Department
commanders. The Department comprised Maryland, parts of Delaware and
Virginia. The following personal letter was addressed to Colonel W. S.
Fish, Provost Marshal under General Schenck:

Headquarters, Fort McHenry,
Nov. 27, 1863.

Dear Colonel.--Our Assistant Provost Marshal, Lieut. Smith,
has got hold of a sloop and her Captain. He was to be examined
before you, but Smith says that McPhail's men have other and
earlier accounts to settle with him. I suggest this as you may
have a great deal to do and may prefer to transfer the case to
those already familiar with it.

Very truly,
P. A. PORTER,
Col. 8th N. Y. V. Arty.,
Com'd'g Post.

The following will show my progress in such matters:

Headquarters, Middle Department,
8th Army Corps.
Office Provost Marshal,
Baltimore, Dec. 23, 1863.

Lieut. H. B. Smith, Assistant Provost Marshal, Fort McHenry,
is hereby authorized to visit and search any house in the City
of Baltimore that he has good reason to believe contains Rebel
mail, or any treasonable matter.

By order,
W. S. FISH,
Col. and Provost Marshal General,
8th Army Corps.

My work at Fort McHenry absolutely required freedom to act outside.