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The first was addressed to the United States' Marshal in New York. It was dated, the Herald said, on the 9th of October, 1861.
"Sir:—I have the honor to enclose herewith, a list of articles necessary for the State prisoners confined at this Post, which you will please send me at your earliest convenience.
"The water being almost entirely out, you will please send me a water-boat, with a supply of water to fill two cisterns, which will last until we have rain enough to obviate the difficulty, You cannot comply too soon, as it is an immediate necessity.
"List of articles necessary for the comfort of prisoners:
"100 blankets, 200 sheets, 200 pillow cases, 50 single mattresses, 50 pillows, 50 iron bedsteads, 50 arm chairs, 20 small tables, 50 washstands, 25 washbowls and pitchers, 10 small oval stoves and pipe, 50 wooden buckets, 100 tin cups, 250 yards of rope carpet for laying on brick floors. I take this opportunity to inform you that the ship's galley and other articles furnished by you, are very satisfactory, and answer the purpose for which they were required.
"I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
"CHARLES O. WOOD,"
"Second Lieutenant of Infantry,
"Commanding Post.
"Approved:—Martin Burke,
Lieutenant–Colonel, Commanding
"Forts Hamilton and La Fayette."
"Headquarters, Fort Hamilton, October 24th, 1861.
"ROBERT MURRAY, Esq.,
"United States Marshal, New York.
"My attention was drawn to a statement in the Herald of this morning, from a prisoner lately released from Fort La Fayette. Now I wish to call your attention to the same article, and submit its further consideration to your judgment.
"You and I both know how hard the Government has striven to make these prisoners comfortable, and if in the whirlpool of business,
