Annotation
[1] ALS, DNA RG 393. The controversy was over an ordinance passed by the city council of Portsmouth, Virginia, on July 13, by which the mayor, Daniel Collins, was authorized to collect rents for all property owned by citizens who refused to take the oath of allegiance, the proceeds to be used to relieve destitute families. General Henry M. Naglee refused to use the military to enforce the ordinance, on the ground that proceeds thus collected by the provost marshal should remain in government custody as reimbursement for federal expenditures in taking care of the destitute. Naglee reported to Foster on August 15 that he refused to follow Peirpoint's suggestion that he confiscate property of all who refused to take the oath, but that he would keep possession of all property of those within rebel lines actively engaged in the rebellion and use the proceeds to help the needy (OR, I, XXIX, II, 54-58).