Rebellion Record: a Diary of American Events: Documents and Narratives, Volume 3.
Frank Moore, Ed.

Doc. 83. proposed exchange of prisoners.

Headquarters First Division, Western Department.
To the Comm'ng Officer at Cairo and Bird's Pt.:

I have in my camp a number of prisoners of the Federal army, and am informed there are prisoners belonging to the Missouri State troops in yours. I propose an exchange of these prisoners, and for that purpose send Captain Polk, of the Artillery, and Lieutenant Smith, of the Infantry, both of the Confederate States Army, with a flag of truce, to deliver to you this communication, and to know your pleasure in regard to my proposition.

The principles recognized in the exchange of prisoners effected on the third of September, between Brigadier-General Pillow, of the Confederate Army, and Colonel Wallace, of the United States Army, are those I propose as the basis of that now contemplated.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

L. Polk, Major-General Commanding.

To which communication General Grant forwarded the following reply:

Headquarters Department southeast Missouri, Cairo, Oct. 14, 1861.

General: Yours of this date is just received. In regard to an exchange of prisoners, as proposed, I can of my own accordance make none. I recognize no Southern Confederacy myself, but will communicate with higher authorities for their views. Should I not be sustained, I will find means of communicating with you.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

U. S. Grant, Brigadier-General Commanding. To Major-General Polk, Columbus, Ky.