Department Of State, Washington,
January 25,1862.
To Ward H. Lamon, Marshal of the District of Columbia:
Sir: The President of the United States being satisfied that the following instructions contravene no law in force in this District, and that they can be executed without awaiting for legislation by Congress, I am directed by him to convey them to you:
As Marshal of the District of Columbia you will not receive into custody any persons claimed to be held to service or labor within the District or elsewhere, and not charged with any crime or misdemeanor, unless upon arrest or commitment, pursuant to law, as fugitives from such service or labor; and you will not retain any such fugitives in custody beyond a period of thirty days from their arrest and commitment, unless by special order of competent civil authority.
You will forthwith cause publication to be made of this order, and at the expiration of ten days therefrom you will apply the same to all persons so claimed to be held to service or labor, and now in your custody.
This order has no relation to any arrests made by military authority.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
William H. Seward.
