I have the honor to enclose copies of four writs of habeas corpus—issued by me to Col. George W. Kirk—together with affidavits, setting out That Col. Kirk refused to make returns of the writs, and stated that he made the arrests by your order.

As Col. Kirk does not make return, I do not feel at liberty to assume The fact That he acted under your orders, from The conversations set out in the affidavits. 

Please inform me if Col. Kirk acted under orders from you in making The arrests.