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of so much vilification and abuse, I am directed to inform you that no more will be allowed to be delivered at
City Point.
The clothing and provisions already received will be devoted to the use of your prisoners.
When that supply is exhausted, they will receive the same rations as our soldiers in the field.
Respectfully, &c.,
No further supplies were sent from the
North for some time.
But the Confederate Government anxious that some fair, proper and reciprocal plan for the relief of prisoners on both sides should be adopted, directed me to bring the matter to the attention of the
Federal authorities, which I did on January 24th, 1864, in the following letter:
Sir,--In view of the present difficulties attending the exchange and release of prisoners, I propose that all such on each side shall be attended by a proper number of their own surgeons, who under rules to be established, shall be permitted to take charge of their health and comfort.
I also propose that these surgeons shall act as commissaries, with power to receive and distribute such contributions of money, food, clothing and medicines as may be forwarded for the relief of the prisoners.
I further propose that these surgeons shall be selected by their own government, and that they shall have full liberty at any and all times, through the agents of Exchange, to make reports not only of their own acts but of any matters relating to the welfare of the prisoners.
Respectfully, &c., &c.,
To this letter I never received any reply.
I brought it several times both verbally and in writing to the attention of the
Federal authorities, but without avail.
It was perhaps too just and humane to be formally declined, and therefore resort was had to silence.
I have always believed that the reciprocity feature of the proposal prevented its acceptance.
