Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1862-08-07
Rrnnnonp. W. Aug. 4th. 1852.

RICHMOND, VA, Aug. 4th 1862
The following letter from the President to General Lee,
"a published this morning:
RICHMOND, VA. July 3lst, 1862.
the 22d of this month cartel for general ex.
change of prisoners Of war signed between Maj Gen.
H. Hill in behalf Of the Confederate States and Major
General John A Dix in behalf of the United States
Nv the of that cartel it is stipulated that all prso-
oe of war hereafter taken pha be discharged parole
until exchanged. Scarcely had that cartel been signed,
0hen the military authorities OF the United States com
enced practice changing the character OF the war from
such as becomes civilized nations into campaign OF IN
discriminate robbery and murder.
The General Order issued by the Secretary of War OF the
United States in the city d Washington, on the very DAY
that the cartel was signed in Virginia. directs the military
commanders of United States to take the private prop
ry Of people for the convenience ana use OF heIf ar
re e1eTs order issued by Major General Pope, on the
}rd july che day after the signing OF the cartel directs
the Of our peaceful Inhabitants as spies found
quietly ng their farms in bis outside OF his nes
and one Of his Brgadier Generals, StenWehr has seized
upon innocent and peaceful inhabitants, 10 be held host
ayes the end that they may be murdered 10 Geld blood
OF his soldiers are Killed by some unknown persons
wbou lie desgnates as bushWhackers.
Under this state OF facts this government has issued the
Oeed general order recognizing General Pope and
COMM stoned officers be in the position which they have
oh fer themselves that Of robbers and Of InurdeTers
AID not tha OF pubic enemies, entitled II captured to be
considered as prisoners Of
ind ourselves driven by enemies by steady pro-
gress towards practice which abhor, and VIII Oh we
are vanly struggling to avoid.
Some Of the military authorities Of the United States
10 suppose ht better will attend savage war
in which quarter is to be given age to be
spared than sG hitherto been secured by such hoste5
alone recognized to be lawful by civilized in
modern times For the present right Of
retaliation the innocent, and shall continue the
private en ed soldiers Of General POpes army prison
Of war; but it, after notice to the government ct Wash
ngton of combining repessive the punish
ment only OF the commissioned officers who willing
PARTICIPANTS in these Crimes these savage practices
continued we shall reluctantly be forced to the last resort
of accepting the the terms chosen by foes until
the outraged voice of humanity forces respect
for the recognized rules of war.
While these facts would justify refusal to execute the
generous cartel by which lave consented berate
excess Of thousands Of prisoners held by beyond the
number held by the enemy sacred regard to pghted
faith shrinking from the mere sembauce Of breaking
PROMISE prevents resort TO this extremity. Nor do
desire to extend other forces OF the enemy the pun
ishmen mered alone by General Pope and such commits
stoned officers as choose to participate in the execution OF
his infamous orders.
l0u therefore instructed to communicate to the Com
anderin Chief of the armies of the United States the
contents Of this letter. and copy of the enclosed Genera
Order TO the end that he may be notified of intention
to consider any officers hereafter captured from Cen
POpeS army as prisoners OF war.
Very respectfully,
Yours, &C..
(Signcd) JEFFERSON DAVIS.
To Gen. X. E. LEE, Commanding, &c.