XII. All communications relating to prisoners of war will be directed to the provost-marshal-general to be by him laid before the commanding general daily at orderly hours.

By order of Major-General Halleck:

J. C. KELTON,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

SEDALIA, December 9, 1861.

General HALLECK:

Colonel Magoffin, C. S. Army, asks for an interview with me. Shall I grant it? They say he is tired of the war.

F. STEELE,

Colonel, &c.

SEDALIA, December 9, 1861.

General POPE, Syracuse:

Several loyal citizens have requested me to give Colonel Magoffin a safeguard to go home to see his wife die; she cannot last but a day or two. Please answer immediately.

F. STEELE,

Colonel, Commanding.

[Indorsement.]

What shall be done? I have telegraphed that if Colonel Magoffin will give his parole he can be permitted to go on, otherwise I cannot.

JNO POPE,

Brigadier-General.

SEDALIA, December 21, 1861.

Major-General HALLECK:

Prisoners and arms go down to-morrow. I find among the prisoners after telegraphing you the notorious Colonel Magoffin who has lately violated his parole. He was conspicuous in the skirmish. I send him under charge of the guard in close confinement. Colonel J. C. Davis goes in charge. His conduct was distinguished and will be properly noticed in my report. I hope he will not be detained in Saint Louis as he is much needed here.

JNO POPE,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF CENTRAL MISSOURI,
Otterville, December 22, 1861.

Major-General HALLECK:

I beg to state in reference to prisoners sent down in charge of Colonel Davis that much care should be observed in the examination and disposal of them which perhaps the provost-marshal-general in Saint Louis may not give. Many of the prisoners are the most dangerous men in this whole State and have been the most active and influential