Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1861-12-23
DEFERRED ARTICLES.

LETTER FROM HON. Nh. ely (PRIsoNER AT RICH.
MoNp) TO HON. THApDKus STEVENS.
The following copy Of letter recently written
BY Hon Mr.. Ely to Hon. Thaddeus Stevens, will
be read with deep interest:
RICHMOND, Nov. 25, 1851
Hon. Thdfdsus Stersns. HoSss of Rsp,,senta-
hcsS Dear sir: It 10 publicly known that was
arrested by the Confederate troops near Manassas
on the 2lst July last, and brought to Richmond a.
a prisoner OF war, where have been detained in
close confinement ever since. Throushout INV
imprisonment, now exceeding four months,
have endeavorsd to deport myself in such manner
as neither my friends nor my own Government
would have cause to regret
My object In troubling YOU at this time. how
ever, as you are about entering upon YOUR lsbori.
Gus duties In the House, 10 not one Of personal
consideration to myself, but to call your attention
TO the condition Of our private soldiers row held
mere az prisoners Of war The Confederstes have
now in their possession and in actual imprison-
ment, 1881 officers, non-commissioned officers
and privates, aside nom those on parole as learn
from reliable sources LILO Of these officers and
privates are still at Richmond, confined in loath.
some tobacco factories converted into prisons
and the remainder have been distributed to dif-
ferent localities In North and South Carolina,
Louisiana and Alabama Included among this
number are several hundred hree months tfoo g.
whose term Of enlistment had, In fact expired
before the battle Of Bull Run. who left their
homes and families upon the hrst call of their
country, to defend the capital and the flag Tt ese
men have been imprisoned already more than
four months, In the confident hope that some
arrangement would be made to secure their
release, or provide, at least for their des
titute condition. They have suffered like
rue soldiers, with patient SELF. sacrifice OF al.
most every personal comfort, until the poor fel-
lows are near disheartened Could you have wit
messed with me to-day five hundred of these
troops al they were preparing to depart for Tusca.
ioosa, In Alabama, there stin TO be imprisoned,
think, sir, 1t would have reused the sympathies
OF your generous nature. large portion Of these
men were, as you are no doubt aware, taken
prisoners In midsummer, when tbs weather was
exceedingly hot, and dressed In clothing suitable
70 the season; and not only that but great num-
6ers had thrown Off their coats on going into
battle and were brought here in their sh sleeves
They have had no change Of clothing for months
l have seen them without shoes, socks, shirts
coats, hats or caps, and In several instances with
only drawers for pants-pale and haggsrd from
long confinement In this condition hGadreds
have been sent South to other prisons. exposed to
the gaze Of the curious and excited crowds
Separated az they have been from their fsiends
and em mbarrassed by the uncertainty and danger
OF transmitting means in the present state Of az
ielrs, they have been substantially cut sR from
all private resoufces for relief. The winter il
already upon them, and the necessity for clothing
and blankets, especially for the prisoners in this
latitude, appeals but too earnestly to generous
Government In whose defense they have taken I'D
arms; II no measures are contemplated which
are likely SION to lead to the release Of prisoners
these men SHOULD be supplied with needful clcth-
Ing without delay; and know the Administra-
tlon too well TO doubt for a moment that Il will
suffer these brave men, after fighting the battles
Of their country, and falling unfortunately into
the enemy's hands, to continue incarcerated in
southern States destitute of the comforts of life
The officers Of the United States army, my as
sociates and prisoners Of war, at whose request |
address this communication to you, are unac-
quainted with the views Of the Government upon
the subject Of an exchange OF prisoners, now
somewhat strongly urged in different sections of
the North; but whatever they NAV be, thew feel
assured, with myself, that they will not be un-
duly neglected by their Government, and are
content, with myself, to remain in imprisonment
so long as 1t promotes the best interests Of our
country.
Very truly, your friend, ALFRED ELY.