HDQRS. MILITARY DISTRICT OF WASHINGTON, D. C., August 7, 1862.

LEWIS McKINZIE.

DEAR SIR: You are aware that I have arrested three citizens of Alexandria as hostages for the safety and return of Couse. I am informed that Couse is not a prisoner, but at large in Richmond. I will thank you to advise as to your opinion on this point from the best information you can obtain. You will please inform Mr. F. I. Couse that you have been requested to look into this matter, that he may present what information he has on this subject.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
[JAMES S. WADSWORTH,]

Brigadier-General.

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF KANAWHA, Flat Top Mountain, August 7, 1862.

Colonel GEORGE CROOK,

Commanding Third Brigade, Meadow Bluff.

COLONEL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt this day of your letter of the 4th instant inclosing statements* received by flag of truce relative to the murder of a rebel soldier by Captain Harrison's company of cavalry, also your statement of the arrest and treatment of Doctor Rucker by the rebels.

Captain Harrison's case will at once be investigated and if you have any further statements to make in the case you will please send them to these headquarters.

You can also notify the commandant of the rebel forces in your front that any acts of officers or men of this army contrary to the rules of war toward any of the enemy who are themselves engaged in a regular and legitimate mode of warfare will be promptly and severely punished.

You may also inform him that Mr. Samuel Price, of Lewisburg, will be held responsible in his person for any cruel or unusual treatment of Dr. William P. Rucker.

By command of Brigadier General J. D. Cox:

G. M. BASCOM,

Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General.

NORFOLK, VA., August 7, 1862.

Major-General DIX:

I have at Fort Norfolk accommodations for 100 prisoners. In a day or two will be ready for 200. There is now one company on guard there.

E. L. VIELE,

Brigadier-General.

HDQRS. FIRST DIVISION, DEPT. OF EAST TENNESSEE, August 7, 1862.

Brigadier General G. W. MORGAN,
Commanding, &c., Cumberland Gap.

GENERAL: During the engagement in front of Tazewell on yesterday the Confederate forces captured Captain Taneyhill and about fifty rank

---------------

*See Confederate Correspondence.

---------------