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   warfare and the dictates of common humanity; and to require a change of location which you have every reason to know the prisoners do not themselves desire is to throw an unnecessary obstacle in the way of accomplishing this end, and thus retain prisoners of war in irksome confinement. The change I most prefer would be to send them to your headquarters and this may be done, unless defeated by obstacles interposed by yourself or your government.

I was notified of your request to send a staff officer to meet one of yours at Port Royal at 2 p. m. to-day, too late to comply therewith. I have, however, directed the officer of your staff to be informed that I would send an officer to meet him at 4 p. m. to-morrow and have accordingly directed Maj. J. F. Lay, Assistant Adjutant and Inspector-General, to take charge of this letter and deliver it at Port Royal Ferry.

I repeat that he is fully advised of my views, and, should you desire it, will confer with you or any officer of your staff whom you may designate.

Very respectfully your obedient servant,


 * , Maj.-Gen. Commanding.

(War Records, Vol. xxxv, pp. 174-175.)