[no. 7. see page 605.]
I think it probably advisable, whilst Major Mulford is here, to get the naval prisoners on hand put through the lines. Points of difference may serve a good purpose hereafter.U. S. Grant, Lieutenant-General.
[no. 8. see page 608.]
headquarters Department of Virginia and North Carolina, Army of the James. In the field, Va., Oct. 20, 1864.
General Order No. 134.
It having been officially certified by General Lee, commanding Confederate forces, that the prisoners of war of this army put to work in the trenches near Fort Gilmer have been withdrawn, to be treated as prisoners of war, it is ordered, that the prisoners of war of the Confederate forces put to work in the canal at Dutch Gap, in retaliation, shall be at once withdrawn and sent to Point Lookout, to be held and treated hereafter as prisoners of war.
Numbers of these prisoners having certified in writing to the commanding general their desire to take the oath of allegiance, because of the inhumanity of the Confederate authorities towards them, which application was declined lest it should be said that these prisoners took the oath of allegiance to the United States under duress, it is now ordered, that so many of them as choose, after this order is read to them, be permitted to take the oath of allegiance and be sent north, to be there found employment by the government, as other prisoners of war have been who have returned to their loyalty to the United States.
By command of [no. 9. see page 608.]
Office Assistant agent for exchange of prisoners, Fortress Monroe, Va., Nov. 6, 1864.
Major-General Butler, commissioner for exchange, etc.:
General:--I have the honor to inform you that I am still here awaiting transportation for the sick prisoners now on board steamers Atlantic and Baltic and more particularly our own men whom I am to receive in return.
It would be worse than barbarous, General, for me to undertake, in the ships now at my disposal, the transportation of those feeble and dying men, now anxiously awaiting my arrival at Savannah and whose sufferings are protracted and aggravated and whose mortality is fearfully increased by this needless delay.
My fleet as organized by yourself was indeed a noble one, for a noble purpose; one that would reflect honor upon our government and carry joy and gladness to many thousand anguished hearts.
Of that portion still left me, no fault can be found, but the most essential part of this expedition is withheld.
I am, by an Major-General Butler, commissioner for exchange, etc.:
