Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1862-1865, 1864-09-01
QUESTION OF EXCHANGES.

TO m. Relatives aud Friend, of Confederate Soldiers
Confined ia Northern Prisons
On the 2Sl Of Jelly, 1868 the CArtil of Exchange
WAS sgseed upon Toe chief, II not Only, purpose OF
that instrument WAS to secure the release OF all prison
era of war; To that end, the fourth article provides
that ell prisoners Of should be discharged parole
In ten days alter their capture, and that tie prisoners
then held and those thereafter taken, should be trans-
ported to the points mutually sgr ed upon at the X
pc, zee Of the capturing party, The sxthlaruole also
epl lAts that "s prs oners Of whatever arm CT SER
vice are 10 be exchanged within ten days from the
tine OF their capture, il it be Practicable to transfer
tlsm to their CWn lines in that time; if not, Soon
Thereafter as practicable.
Peou, the date Of the Cartel until July, 1863 the Con-
ederae authorizes held the OF prisouers Dn-
iug that interval deliveries mAdo fast the
Federal Government. furnished transportation. Indeed
uOon more than one occasion, urged the Federal au
thorities u send increased of ranspollsiion
AZ ready as the enemy always has bsen TO bling false
accusations against US /: has never en- alleged that
we failed or neglected TO mako promoi del veries Of
prisoners who not uqder charges, when We held
The excess On the other hand, during the same tpe,
the Cartel was openly and notoriousy vi lated by the
Federal autaoIiaes. 0hsers and mea were kept in
cruel confinement sometimes 10 iron or doomed cells
without charges or tria'
In July, 1868 the enemy for TIE Grst time since the
sdop ion of III Cartel held the excess OF prisoners
As soon as that fact ascertaned, whenever a de-
livery was msda by the Federal authorities, they de-
mauced an Cqual number in return l endeavor. d
FREQ gently to obtain from the Federal Agent OF
ExeAange q dis ncs avowal CT the intentions OF bis
Government as to the delivery OF prisoners but in vain
A. length on tbs goth Of October, 1863 addressed
10 Brig Gen. Meredith the following letter. to wit:
RICHMOND. Va, October 80 b, 1854.
BROADER General s. a. Mei edith Agent Of Exchange
SIR-More than a month ago / asked your
acu ssceRce in proposition, that all officers and
ediers on both sides, should be released in con.
formty with the provisions Of tie Cartel. Ia order to
oby ate the difficulties between us, suggested that all
cc.rs and men, On both sides should be releas, d. I'm
les they were subject to charges in which event the
opuosite GovernT should have the rgIt Of holding
one or ore hostages if the retenton not justified
You stated to me- conversation, that this proposition
was very fair rni that you would ask the consent OF
your Go eminent TO IT,
Asuull, you have as yet made no response. l tell
you frankly, do not expect any. Perhaps you may
dsappont me and tell that you jet accept the
proposition. | write his letter for the purpose Of
bringing TO your recollection my proposition and Of
DISH stng the idea that to have been purposely
eueourast by your pubic pare that the Confederate
Government has refused or objected TO system OF ex-
changes
Ia order TO avoid sny mistake 10 thft direction now
propose that all officers ard men on b. q sides be
leased in conformity with the provisions oil the Carte
the excess on one eide or the other 10 be on PAROLE
Will you accept thisY have 10 eX, ectation Of an
answer bus perhaps, you may give one. Ii IL Goes
come, hope it VII be soon.
Respectfully, your OBJ ssrv't,
.Ro. QULD,