The Burlington weekly hawk-eye. [volume] (Burlington [Iowa]) 1860-1876, 1862-07-12
Letter from Major Stone..EXchange Of
PfIsoners..RetuYn TO Dixie.
WAsurNcroN n q Jrlv 9Th 1890


Prjsoners..Retuyn to Dixie.
WASHINGTON, D. c., July 9Th, 1852.
Me-. DUSHAx-Dsar Sr:-We have failed t
secure the consent of our Government to gen
eral exchange of prisoners, as proposed by tht
Rebel authorities. This determines the necessi
ty of our return to the South to remain in Close
confinement, it may be, till the termination O.
the war.
Our efforts in this matter have been seconded
by many warm friends and earnest advocates
wFo take deep interest in our unfortunate
prisoners of war. Nearly every Member o.
Congress and majority Of the Cabinet am
strongly committed in favor of speedy and
general exchange. The President, too, is known
to favor it, but, for the present, refers the ques
zion to the Secretary of War, who, for reasons
which I am unable to comprehend, thinks i,
would be inexpedient, at this particular juncture
to give the Rebels $4,000 men and receive the
same number in return. To our limited com
prehension the policy adopted by the War De
partment, for the prosecution of this war, ,nay
not be very apparent, yet it is our duty ss sol
diers to believe that everything they do is for the
best, and submit to their action without ques
ton or complaint. Like the old lady when the
horses we're running off, am determined no,
to give up "until the breeding breaksn-l
have no doubt but that the Department desires
to prosecute this war on the easiest plan, hu.
namely endeavoring to do our enemies % little
damage as possible, and diaregarding all mere
personal or local considerations, they will strain
themselves as much as they dare to promote the
public welfare
The number of Rebel prisoners now held by
our Government 10 estimated at 10000, distri.
buted at the different camps and garrisons Of
the North, we'll fed and elegantly clothed. They
have fine grounds for promenading, we'll VENT.
lated quarters Supplied with sewers, water pipes
&C., to promote their convenience and sanit,r,'
condition. The Rebels hold not less than IT,.
900 Of our best soldiers, many Of whom are
closely confined in unhealthy quarters, subsisted
on the coarsest fare, forbidden to stick their
heads or feet out into the pure air, and denied
oil intercourse with the outside world, EXCEPT
the numerous swarms Of mosquitoes which pay
them their nightly visits. To guard the Rebel
prisoners requires at least 5000 soldiers, who
are also Withdrawn from the field. These ao.0
troops are being paid by the Government, and
render no real service in return. Now. 70 a
man in jail, this looks like poor economy, but to
. man in the War Department it doubtless %
pears to be just the thing. This is the policy
Of our able and patriotic Secretary Of War, and
beg pardon for insimating doubt % to it,
correctness. am satisfied it is ssra.eqy, pro.
found and incomprehensible to every one else ;
indeed, there is nothing in Jomini OF Halleck
like it,-eontinus it and this little ninety days
rebellion" will soon be crushed ont, and the
country once more rejoice in the blessings of =
substantial peace.
Csndor compells me to Say that have been
favorably impressed with our noble and patriotic
President he received US kindly, and our in.
terviews with him were Of . pleasant and salts
factory character. I am more than ever con
vinced that he is an honest, earnest man, sin
cerely devoted to the welfare Of his country.-
No purer public man lives and if Re errs it il il
yielding too much to those Who are associated
with him. He is . man Of sound judgment, and
much good practical sense. Yet bis own con
illusions may not always be correct, a, for in
stance, the one in regard to the exchange o
prisoners, which was fortunately corrected b,
the Secretary Of War in time to preserve th,
policy of the Government. do not intend I,
cay that he lacks frmness. believe be gen
orally holds the reins himself and drives xher,
he pleases.
cannot close this letter without expressio,
INV thanka to Hessra Harlan Grimea and VN;l