Page:The Immortal Six Hundred.djvu/42

 will rectify it. I am compelled to complain of this thing in almost every communication. You will not deem me passionate when I assure you it will not be endured any longer. If these men are not delivered, a stern retaliation will be made immediately." (Id., p. 632.)

This being the condition of things, on May 25, 1863, the following order was issued by the Federals:

No Confederate officer will be paroled or exchanged till further orders. They will be kept in close confinement, and be strongly guarded. Those already paroled will be confined.


 * General-in-Chief.
 * General-in-Chief.

Why was the cartel suspended? Surely not by request of the Confederate authorities. Who was responsible for this inhuman work that inflicted so much suffering upon the Union prisoners of war in the hands of the South that could not care for them nor feed them?