Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1864-09-08
QUESTION OF EXCHANGES.
To the Relatives and 2, lends Of Confederate Soldier
i -.

To tie Relatives and n lends OF Confederate Soldiers
confined in Northern Prisons:
On the 22nd OF July. 1862, the Cartel of Exchange
was agreed upon. The Chief If not only, purpose OF
that instrument was the release of all prison
ers of war; To that end the fourth article provides
that all prisoners of war should be discharged pa
role in ten days after their capture, and that the prs
oners tn held and those thereafter taken should be
transported to the points mutually agreed upon at the
expense of the capturing patty The sixth article also
stipulates that all prisoners, of whatever arm of
vice. to be exchanged or paroed in ten days from
the time of their capture it be practicable to trans
fer them to their own lines in that time not, as soon
thereafter practicable.
From the date of the Cartel until July, 1863, tie
Confederate authorities held the OF prisoners
During that interval deliveries were made as fast as
the Federal Government furnished transportation. In
deed, upon than one occasion, urged the Fede
raj authorities to send increased of transporter
ton. AS ready the enemy always has been to bring
false accusations against u.s. it has never been alleged
that failed or neglected to make prompt deliveries
of prisoners who not under charges, when held
the excess On the other hand during the time,
The Cartel openly and notorlcusy violated by the
Federal authorities Officers and were kept in
cruel confinement sometimes in rOnsor doomed cells,
without charges trial.
In July 1868 the enemy for the fist time since the
adoption of the Cartel held the excess of prisoners
AS soon that fact asctrtaiued whenever dev-
cry made by the Federal authorities, they demand
ed equal number in return endeavored frequent
y to obtain from the Federal Agent of Exchange a
distinct avowa of the intentions of his Government
to the delivery OF prisoners, but in vain. At length
the goth Of October, 1863 addressed to Brig. Gen
Meredith the following letter, to wit
RICHMOND, VA, Oct. 2Oth 1863.
B igadser General S. Il. Meredith, Agent of Ex-
change:
| Sir-More than a month ago asked your acquies-
cence in proposition, that all officers and soldiers or
both sides should be released in conformity with the
provisions of the Cartel. In order to obviate the diff
cultes between suggested that all officers and mer
both sides should be released unless they sub
ject to charges in which event. the opposite Govern
hostages the retention not justified. You stated
to me, in conversation that this proposition was very
fair and that you would ask the consent of your Gov
ernment to it,
As usual, you have as yet made no response l tel
you frankly, do not expect any. Perhaps you may
disappoint me, AID tell me that you reject or accep
bringing to your recollection my proposition, and O
encouraged by your public papers, that the Confederate
changes.
In order 10 avoid any mistake in that direction,
now propose that all Officers and on both sides b.
released in conformity With the provisions OF the Cartel
the side or the other to be parole
answer, but, perhaps, you may give one. If it doe
come, I hope it will be som.
Respectfully, your ob't serv't,
Ro. OULD,
Agent of Exchange