1861 May 6 [Washington, D. C.]

[copy]
Attorney General's Office

Sir:
This will be handed to you by
a special and accredited agent
of the Secretary of War. The object
in view is to enlist your services
and exertions on behalf of the Uni-
ted States Government to obtain
possession of any Telegraphic Dispatches
that may have been sent with pur-
poses hostile to this Government,
or in relation to supplies of Arms
& provisions purchased or forwarded
to the Southern Rebels. All of which
will be fully explained to you by the
Agent of the War Department.

The object of this letter is
to invite and request your prompt
and energetic cooperation, with all
the means at your Command, in
carrying out in this regard the objects
and purposes of the Government.

I am very Respectfully
(signed) Edwd Bates
Attorney General

Wm. M. Addison, Esqr.
U.S. Attorney for Md
Baltimore, Md.