[copy]
Benton Barracks Mo.
Oct 29. 1861
A delicate but important duty is devolved on you.1 One of two Communications, one directed to Major General John C. Fremont and the other to Major General Hunter, are to be delivered to these Generals under certain Conditions which are given in a letter from the President of the United States, a Copy of which is given you. You have charge of the letter to General Fremont. You will see by the instructions the letter you carry must be delivered unless
1st Genl Fremont has won a battle
2 Is fighting a battle
3 Is in immediate presence of the enemy in expectation of a battle.
Neither of these exigencies are likely to occur, as the enemy at last accounts, is not near the General. You will, after delivery of the letter, give me the earliest possible advices of the fact by Telegraphing to me that my orders have been obeyed.
Respectfully yours
Saml R. Curtis
Brig Geni U.S.V.
1. Three messengers were reportedly used by Curtis, the successful bearer was T. I. McKenny, who disguised himself as a southern planter in order to penetrate to Fremont’s quarters. See Ida M. Tarbell, Life of Lincoln, 2, 66-69.