"I ordered that the balance of the party should remain without the lines; which was done. Upon the appearance of the others, there was visible dissatisfaction and considerable murmuring among the soldiers, to so great an extent that I almost feared for the safety of the Slaveholders. At this time General Sickles opportunely arrived, and instructed me to order them outside the camp, which I did, amidst the loud cheers of our soldiers. "It is proper to add, that before entering our lines, and within about seventy-five or one hundred yards of our camp, one of their number discharged two pistol shots at a Negro, who was running past them, with an evident intention of taking his life. This justly enraged our men. "All of which is respectfully submitted. "Your obedient servant, "JOHN TOLEN. "Major Commanding Second Regiment, E. B. "To Lieutenant J. L. PALMER, Jr., "A. D. C. and A. A. A. General." On April 6, the following important dispatch, in the nature of an order, was issued by General Doubleday to one of his subordinate officers: "HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DEFENSES, "NORTH OF THE POTOMAC, "WASHINGTON, April 6, 1862. "SIR:--I am directed by General Doubleday to say, in answer to your letter of the 2d instant, that all Negroes coming into the lines of any of the camps or forts under his command, are to be treated as persons, and not as chattels. "Under no circumstances has the Commander of a fort or camp the power of surrendering persons claimed as Fugitive Slaves, as it cannot be done without determining their character. "The Additional Article of War recently passed by Congress positively prohibits this. "The question has been asked, whether it would not be better to exclude Negroes altogether from the lines. The General is of the opinion that they bring much valuable information, which cannot be obtained from any other source. They are acquainted with all the roads, paths, fords, and other natural features of the country, and they make excellent guides. They also know and frequently have exposed the haunts of Secession spies and Traitors and the existence of Rebel organizations. They will not, therefore, be excluded. "The General also directs me to say that civil process cannot be served directly in the camps or forts of his command, without full authority be obtained from the Commanding Officer for that purpose. "I am very respectfully, your obedient servant, "E. P. HALSTED, "Assistant Adjutant General. "Lieut. Col. JOHN D. SHANE, "Commanding 76th Reg. N. Y. Vols." CHAPTER XVII. BORDER-STATE OPPOSITION.