until he could ascertain if they were
genuine; and would then probably be able to catch some of the
pigeons, and perhaps Deegan. I also requested him to telegraph
to Chief Paymaster at Boston, which he promised to do.

Deegan's forgeries seem to be confined to the 6th U. S.
Cavalry; he was formerly a member of that Regiment. He
operates with "jumpers."

I think this job was spoiled by the actions of the Officers in
Philadelphia. I am quite positive we were not suspected, as we
were at all times current with these "jumpers," that infested
Deegan's haunts.

I visited these places until yesterday, when I became
satisfied that Deegan is too badly scared to remain about.

In addition to my report I wish to give you a brief outline of
the state of affairs in the Provost Department in New York and
Philadelphia. Wherever I went in search of my man I met
"Bounty Jumpers," who openly avowed themselves such, and
seemed to defy the authorities. Dick Callery, who keeps a
groggery at No. 126 Callowhill street, Philadelphia, stated he
was aware of Deegan's transactions. Most of Callery's
customers were "jumpers."

In New York we could go but a short distance without meeting
these characters. From what I could see I should think one
thousand a low estimate of their numbers; they are very bold.
They pay this Department quite a compliment, i. e., they say
if they can only get clear from Baltimore they are all right.

If about fifteen or twenty pigeons could be thrown into New
York and Philadelphia to co-operate with a strong force of
Detectives and Military, hundreds of these "jumpers" would be
brought to justice.

These jumpers without an exception are the firm support and
backbone of the Copperhead Clique, and the same parties that
caused the riots in New York last year. The arrest and
punishment of these parties would cause rejoicing among
respectable people. From my observation I can see that this
class of men before the war were pickpockets, burglars, &c.,
but now resort to this last and easier means of stealing, i. e.,
"bounty jumping," at the same time they please the "Copperheads"
by filling successively, the quotas of different districts, and
not furnishing the Army one soldier; thus defeating the object
of the Draft.