Benjamnin F. Butler, Butler's Book: Autobiography and Personal Reminiscences of Major-General Benjamin Butler

The flag of truce steamer New York appeared off City Point on the 18th of August, causing the following telegraphic correspondence, which testifies as well to the anxiety of the commissioner of exchange to protect, so far as he could, our imprisoned soldiers from suffering and the retaliatory measures of the rebels, as to the fear of the lieutenant-general lest any further exchange of prisoners should be effected:--

City Point, Aug. 18, 1864.
General Butler:

I see the steamer New York has arrived. Is she going to Aiken's Landing or elsewhere under flag of truce?

U. S. Grant, Lieutenant-General.

[Telegram.]

headquarters Department of Virginia and North Carolina, in the field, Aug. 18, 1864.
Lieutenant-General Grant, City Point:

Steamer New York is to go to Aiken's Landing under flag of truce, at which place she is to receive certain communications and special exchanges, among whom is General Bartlett, and to arrange a meeting between Commissioner Ould and myself for a conference in regard to the treatment of our prisoners and some cases of retaliation.

Benj. F. Butler, Major-General Commanding.

Finding how fearfully sensitive the lieutenant-general was lest Sherman's defeat should be insured and our safety compromised, and not then knowing what information the lieutenant-general had of the force of the enemy in Sherman's front, and having but to obey the orders of my superior, the following telegram was sent to assure him that I should take no steps in opposition to his wishes:--

Aug. 18, 1864, 4 P. M.
Lieutenant-General Grant:

Telegram received. No exchange has been or will be made by me which will give the enemy any advantage. . . . I have exchanged nobody but wounded men since the first of May except surgeons, non-combatants, and a few cases of special exchange. . . .

Benj. F. Butler, Major-General and Commissioner of Exchange.