Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1864-02-20

THE EXCHANGE OF PRIsoNERs.-A Washing
ton dispatch gives the following summary of
the documents relative to the exchange of
prisoners, communicated to Congress in an
swer to a resolution of Congress:
1t appears that the commission of Gen.
Hitchcock of Dec. I6, authorized him to
confer with Gen. Butler, and designated him
as an agent to procure the exchange of sol
diers and officers upon terms not conflicting
with the position of the Department to color
ed soldiers, nor surrendering men without
Just equivalent, man for man and officer for
officer. Subsequently he was directed to ex-
change first those who had been longest con-
fined, and to waive for the time considera-
ton of the question of parole, and the excess
of rebel prisoners in our hands. He was al
lowed also to exchange colored men in civil
employments for men in civil employment
captured by our forces.
On the 18th of December, Gen. Butler sent
forward by Assistant Commissioner milford
500 prisoners from Point Lookout, asking an
exchange for similar number, and leaving
in allegiance all existing differences, with the
assurance that their prisoners in our hands
were well cared for, and suggestions looking
to an immediate exchange of cOnvalescent or
disabled prisoners. In a communication of
the same date he asks for the exchange of
Alfred Bengle of the Sanitary Commission,
confined in Castle Thunder, the whereabouts
of Lieut. Mason and private John Woolam, of
Ohio regiments, and inquiries into the propo-
sition concerning the cases of the officers and
crew of the steamers Emily and ArTeU, cap
tured by the rebels last May.
Commissioner Ould reiterates, in a note to
Major milford, a willingness to exchange all
prisoners, the excess ON either side to be on
parole. He says this is the provision of the
cartel, and "we can accept nothing less. I'm
less this is the distinct understanding, no
equivalent will be delivered to you for any
confederate officers and soldiers whom you
may hereafter bring to City Point. In the
hope that such is the understanding, / have
directed that greater number than the total
of your delivery shall be sent to YOU"
In another communication Gen. Hitchcock
is reminded that, by the Presidential procla-
nation, Gen. Butler is under ban OF outlawry,
and while his Government cannot prescribe
what agents the United States shall employ,
selfrespect requires that the Confederate
Government refuse to treat with person so
obnoxious, and that Gen. Buffers agency can
not therefore be recognized, or his person
protected by flag of truce.
Gen. Butler returned the note and said, in
reply, that no right of declaration of outlawry
by those authorities of any officer or soldier
of the United States can be admitted or for a
moment regarded by the Government of the
United States, as it certainly will not be by
the persons upon whom such intimidation is
attempted. He informs Robert Ould that un
less his flag of truce is respected, all further
communication by flag of truce between those
authorities and ours must cease.
On the 18th of January Gen. Butler write:
again, asking for an exchange of the lists o.
prisoners and of deaths, and proposing max
ing up of monthly lists.