In transmitting the letter I intended to inform you that in proposing the arrangement with General Huger I made no allusion whatever to the authorities at Washington. It was simply an inquiry of my own whether clothing would be forwarded to Richmond for our prisoners. The prisoners at Richmond as it wqould appear from their letters to friends are suffering very much for the want of clothing and other articles necessary to their comfort.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOHN E. WOOL,

Major - General.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF WESTERN VIRGINIA,
Camp, Gauley Mountain, W. Va., November 19, 1861.

Major General GEORGE B. McCLELLAN,

Commanding U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.

GENERAL: * * * I have sent Captain W. F. Raynolds with a flag of truce to Floyd proposition that he should put a stop to the abhorrent practice of kidnapping unarmed citizens, and promising on that condition to release certain hostages now in [our] possession. He will be able to report where the rebels are to be found.

* * * * * * *

Very truly and respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. S. ROSECRANS,

Brigadier - General, U. S. Army.

NAVY DEPARTMENT, Washington, November 19, 1861.

Flag - Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH,

North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads, Va.

SIR: I inclose herewith copy * of the will of the late Lieutenant John B. Steward, of the Navy, together with a copy * of a letter addressed to his sister by Commodore Read, governor of the Naval Asylum, announcing his death.

He has bequeathed his property to his sister who is a resident of North Carolina, and the Department desires you to forward the inclosed by flag of truce at the first opportunity to the general in command at Norfolk, with the request that he will send them to their proper destination.

I am, respectfully, &c.,

GIDEON WELLES.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF NORFOLK,
November 19, 1861.

Flag - Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH,

Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads.

SIR: This will be delivered to you by Lieutenant Worden, U. S. Navy, who is on his parole.

On your sending lieutenant Sharp, C. S. Navy, to me my Government will consider Lieutenant Worden released from his parole.

With the highest respect, I remain, your most obedient servant,

BENJ. HUGER,

Major - General, Commanding Department.

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* Omitted.

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