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   prisoners of war now languishing in confinement may be released. I should be glad to aid in so humane work, and, to the end that there may be no unnecessary delay on my part, I have directed an officer of my staff, Maj. John F. Lay, Assistant Adjutant and Inspector-General, charged with the delivery of this, to wait a reasonable time in vicinity of Port Royal Ferry for your answer. He is fully informed of my views on this subject, and, if you desire it, will confer with you or any officer you may designate.

, Maj.-Gen. Commanding. (War Records, Vol. xxxv, pp. 161-162.)

July 4, 1864. Commanding Confederate Forces, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida, Charleston, S. C. I have received your letter of the 1st inst. covering a letter from the five general officers of the United States Army now prisoners of war in Charleston to Brig. -Gen. L. Thomas, Adjutant-General United States Army.