Here begins my service as an assistant provost marshal of the department
and chief of the Secret Service--Confederate General Winder's detectives--
E. H. Smith, special officer, War Department--Mrs. Mary E. Sawyer,
Confederate mail carrier--W. V. Kremer's report on the "Disloyals" north
of Baltimore.
The Secret Service, as its name implies, is the most confidential arm of
the service. Its information intelligently guides the commanding
general. It gives him to know of the conduct of the enemy and discloses
weaknesses, if any exist, in his own armour. There is always a "cloud of
mystery" thrown around it by outsiders. But its pursuit, on the inside,
is not that of romance, but simply of cold facts; it deals with business
propositions. In telling my stories, not being a story writer, I shall
tell plain facts, leaving the reader to clothe them with the glamour
that a fiction writer would usually apply. Were I to attempt to tell
something of all my many stories it would weary a reader; so I will try
to select some that are really historic, or interesting from their
unusual character.
Provost Marshal's Office,
Fort McHenry, Apl. 10, 1864.
Lieut. H. B. Smith,
Asst. Provost Marshal 8th Army Corps.
I have just been informed by Mrs. Myers that a detective of
General Winder's staff from Richmond, Virginia, is in the city
in disguise.
Respy.,
J. W. HOLMES,
Capt. and Provost Marshal.
General J. H. Winder commanded the Department of Henrico, headquarters
at Richmond, Va. Many of his detectives were Marylanders, among them
were John Lutz, Wash Goodrich, T. Woodhall, ---- Taylor, and William
Byrne.
I perfectly imitated General John H. Winder's signature to passes which
we used with success. I had a close imitation of his stationery; only an
expert could detect our passes. If he is living I am sure he will pardon
the liberty I took, for it was all in the game.
Following is one of General Winder's genuine passes:
Headquarters, Department of Henrico,
Richmond, Va., March 26th, 1864.
Mrs. James Gordon & (3) children, a citizen of Great Britain,
having sworn, in good faith, not to reveal, either directly
or indirectly, any information that may benefit the enemy, is
hereby permitted to pass beyond the limits of the Confederate
States, by the route herein designated: and none other.
Strictly forbid to pass through General Lee's lines. Go by the
lower Rappahannock.
This passport is given, subject in all cases to the approval,
delays and restrictions of military commanders through whose
lines the persons or person may pass.
By command of the Secretary of War,
JNO. H. WINDER,
General Comdg.
Hair: light
Eyes: blue.
Age: 33.
Complexion: florid.
Height: ----
Our sources of information were numerous, as our own officers were
always on duty, and officers in other departments worked in conjunction
with us, thus forming an extended net work.
Baltimore, April 14, 1864.
Lt. Smith,
Sir.--I am very unfortunate in always coming when you are out.
How has Kremer progressed with the case, anything been done? I
go to Washington per order of the Secretary of War. I am
obliged to go to New York within two weeks. I wish the case
here might be disposed of before I go to New York. Would you
oblige me by writing P. O. Box 62, Washington?
Very respy, your obdt servt.,
E. H. SMITH,
Special Officer, War Dept.
The following is Kremer's report of progress:
United States Military Telegraph,
War Department,
April 17, 1864.
H. B. Smith:
Two men answering description but under different names left
here for Leonardtown on the 16th. Shall I follow? If so,
answer and send White.