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Butler.
After some delay another boatload of prisoners was sent up and exchanged.
Learning that the Union prisoners in the South were suffering from the small-pox, I took the responsibility of forwarding to the rebel commissioner for their use, vaccine matter sufficient for six thousand vaccinations, with information that as much more as was required would be furnished.
No more was ever asked for. My action in this regard was approved by the War Department.1
Finding the expedient of refusing to recognize the United States commissioner ineffectual, they renewed negotiations, and after some delay the exchange of sick and wounded officers and soldiers went on. During this delay the Confederate prisoners at Point Lookout were informed of the action of their authorities, and at my request, by the direction of the President, each one of them was called upon to answer and sign his name to these questions:--
First, Whether he desired to be sent South for exchange.
Second, Whether he desired to take the oath of amnesty prescribed by the President's proclamation, and be allowed to return to his home in our lines.
Or, Third, whether he desired to enlist in the military or naval service of the United States.
Of the ten thousand prisoners at Point Lookout, two regiments of infantry were enlisted, and many recruits went into the navy upon the solemn engagement that they should not be sent South to fight their rebel brethren.
These regiments were afterwards sent to General Pope to fight the Indians, and did good service during the war. Thus, more than two thousand men and two millions of dollars in expense of recruitment and bounties were saved to the loyal States.
This work was done by a young officer from Salem, Massachusetts, Col. Charles A. R. Dimon.
He went out with me with the three months men, and I later promoted him to be a colonel.
He took command of this enlisted regiment, which did most efficient service.
On the 29th of March I received this letter from Mr. Ould, agent of exchange:--
1 See Appendix No. 3.
A. M. Thayer and Co. 1892.
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