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Letters on the Treatment and Exchange of Prisoners.
79

causes that need not be enumerated here much suffering, sickness and death should ensue. In this matter the statements of our own officers are confirmed by those of Southern journals. And while we cheerfully submit to any policy that may be decided upon by our Government, we would urge that the great evils that must result from any delay that is not desired should be obviated by the designation of some point in this vicinity at which exchanges might be made—a course, we are induced to believe, that would be acceded to by the Confederate authorities.

And we are, General, your most obedient servants,

(Signed)
H. W. Wessels,
Brigadier-General U. S. Volunteers.
(Signed)
T. Seymour,
Brigadier-General U. S. Volunteers.
(Signed)
E. P. Scammon,
Brigadier-General U. S. Volunteers.
(Signed)
Alexander Shaler,
Brigadier-General U. S. Volunteers.
(Signed)
C. A. Heckman,
Brigadier-General U. S. Volunteers.



Through Major-General J. G. Foster, U. S. V.,
Commanding Department of the South, Hilton Head, S. C.


Hdrs. Department South Carolina, Georgia and Florida,
Charleston, S. C.
, July 13, 1864.

General—I have received your letter of the 1st instant. Mine of the 13th and 22d ultimo indicate with all necessary precision the location of United States officers who are prisoners of war in this city. I cannot be more minute without pointing out the houses in which they are confined; and for reasons very easily understood, I am sure that this will not be expected. If my statements in my letter of the 22d ultimo are insufficient, the letter of the five General officers, dated the 1st instant, in which they assure you that they "are as pleasantly and comfortably situated as is possible for prisoners of war, receiving from the Confederate authorities every privilege that we (they) could desire or expect; nor are we (they) unnecessarily exposed to fire," gives you all the information in regard to their treatment that you can reasonably desire.