Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1867-08-01
Treatment of Prisoners.

At the late summer session Of Congress
Radical member Of the House proposed a reso-
luton to appoint a special committee toinvesti-
gate and report upon the alleged cruel treat
mont Of Union prisoners at Andcrsonville and
elsewhere by the Confederate authorities
During the debate, Mr.. Eldridge suggested the
rropriety Of extending the investigation so as
% show where the fault lies as to the delay in
making exchanges, and to ascertain whether
the Federal authorities were free from blame.
Butler took up the subject, and exhibited with
a considerable flourish his own agency in the
business. and presented batch Of his letters to
the Rebel Commissioners, but no replies.
lIr. Eljrigo said he had the authority Of Col.
Ould for saying that aiberal offer of exchange
had been made to tho Federal authorities,
which was not accepted. Itappears that 0uld
was forbidden to correspond with Butler, but
negotiated with Gems. Mulfordand Hitchcock.
The subioined letter throws some light on the
subject. Whatever measure Of reprobation
may be due the Rebels for their treatment of
prisoners. it is certainly incumbent upon the
National Government to explain why It was
that thousands were left from August to Deem
Der, TO languish and die, when delivery Of
Federal sick and wounded was offered without
an equivalent.
RIcHvovD, July 70, 1867.
Hon. CHARLES 4. ELuEDGE.-
81 have seen your remarks as published
They are substantially correct Every word
that said TO You In Richmond is not only true,
but can be proved by federal officers. I did
offer in August 10 deliver the federal sick and
wounded without requiring equivalents and
ur-cltLe necessity u haste in sending for them.
. the mortality was terrible. I did offer 70
deliver nom ten % fifteen thousand at Savau-
nah without DELAY. Although this offer was
made in August transportation was not sent
for them until December, and during tbeinter-
val the mortality was perhaps at It's greatest
height II / had not made the offer. why did
the federal authorities send transportation to
Savannah for tenor fifteen thousand men II
made the offer based only on equivalents,
why jd the same transportation carry down
flv delivery only three thousand men?
Butler says the offer was made in the fall
according 20 the newspaper repo-t,l and that
seven thousand were delivered. The offer was
made In August, and they were sent for in De
cemhe-. l then delivered more than thirteen
thousand, and would have gone 20 the fifteen
thousand iftle federal transportation lad been
sufficient My instructions to my agents were
Co deliver fifteen thousand sick and wounded,
and % that number Of that class were not on
hand, % make mp the number 10y well men.
The offer was made by me in pursuance OF
instructions from the Confederate Secretary
# War. I was ready TO keep up the arrange
ment until every sick and wounded man had
been returned.
The three thousand men sent to Savannah
by the ieiCrals were In as wretchci a condition
as any detachment # prisoners ever sent from
a Confederate prison.
AT. these things are susceptible Of proof. and
/ am much mistaken il / cannot prove them
By federal authority I am quite sure that
General Nuiiord VIII sustain every allegation
here made r. OULD.