Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1864-09-08

On the 29th of October, 1863, received from Gen
eral Meredith a communication informing me that my
proposal OF the 2Cth was SO not accepted" | in
sultngy tod that if the of prisoners delv
cred they would be wrongfuiy declared exchanged by
aud put in the field. To show bow groundIess this
mpuon was it is only necessary for to state that
since then have repeatedly offered to give Federal
captves for every Confederate soldier whom the enc
my will g&ow to have been wrongfully declared ex-
changed.
From the last named date until the present time
there have been but few deliveries of prisoners the en-
envy in each case demanding like number in re-
| turn.
1t will be observed that the Confederate authorities
only claimed that the provisions of tha cartel should be
fulfilled They only asked the enemy to do what, with
out any hesitation they had done during the first
OF the operation of the cartel Seeing persistent pur
pose the part of the Federal Government to violate
its own agreement the Confederate authorities moved
by the suf5rngs OF the brave who unjustly
held 10 Northern prisons, determined to abate their
fair demands, and according y, the 10th Of August
1864, addressed the following communication to Ma
jr John E. Milford, Assistant Agent of Exchange in
charge of the 6agottruce boat which on the me day
l delivered to him at Varina, on James river
WAR DEPARTMENT.
Richmond Va, Aug. 10, 1864 {
Major John >E. Milford, Assistant Agent of Er-
change;
Sir: You have several times proposed to me to ex-
change the prisoners respectively held by the two bel
|
offer has also been made by other officials having charge
of matters connected with the exchange OF prisoners
This proposal has heretofore been declined by the Con-
federate authorities they insisting upon the terms OF
the Cartel which required the delivery of the on
either side upon parole 10 view however of the very
large number of prisoners now held by each party, and
the suffering consequent upon their conr COL fine
ment low consent to the above proposal and agree
TO deliver to you the prisoners held in captivity by the
Confederate authorities provided you agree to deliver
an equal number Of Confederate officers and men. As
equal numbers delivered from time to time they
will be declared exchanged
This proposal is made with the understanding that
the officers ard men who have been longest in capy-
ity will be the first delivered where it is practical
be shall be happy to hear from you as speedily as
possible whether this arrangement can be carried
out.
Respectfully, your obedient seevant,
ROBERT OULD.
Agent OF Exchange.
accompanied the delivery of the letter with state
ment of the mortality which was hurrying so many
Federal prisoners at Andersonvile to the grave.
On the 10th of the same month"; Major Muiford re-
turned with the flag Of truce steamer but brought no
answer to my letter of the 10th of August In CONVEX
sation with him asked him if he had any reply to
make to my communication, and his answer was that
he not authorized to make any. So deep was the
soiictude which felt in the fate Of the captives in
Northern prsoEs that determined to make another e.
fort. In order to obviate any objection which ecbni
caity might raise to the person to whom my commu-
nication was addressed, wrote to Major General E.
A. Hitchcock who is the Federal Commissioner of Elk.
change, residing in Washington city, the following let
ter, and delivered the to Major Muord On day
of its date Accompanying that letter a copy Of
the communication which had addressed to Major
Milford on the 10th of August.
RICHMOND, Va, Aug. %, 1864.
Major Gen. E. Il. Hitchcock, q. s. Commissioner OF
Exchange:
Sir-Enclosed is copy of communication which,
on the 9th inst, addressed and delivered to Major
John E. Milford, Assistant Agent OF Exchange
Under the circumstances of the case, deem it proper
to forward this paper to you, in order that you may
fully understand the position which is taken by Vie
Confederate authorities, shall be glad if the prop
osition therein made is accepted by your Govern
ment.
Respectfully, your. ob't erV't,
Ro. OULD,
Agent of Exchange.
On the afternoon of the 30th OF August, mott:
fed that the flag of truce steamer had again appeared
at Varina. On the following day sent to Maj. Null
ford the following note-to wit: