to inform you in reply that arrangements or ein progress for the exchange of all prisoners held by theinsurgents. It is believed that pursuant to them the release of all the prisoners from the loyal States will soon be effected.

I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,

WILLIAM H. SEWARD.

HDQRS. OF THE ARMY, ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE,
Washington, February 12, 1862.

Major General JOHN E. WOOL, U. S. Army,

Commanding Department of Virginia, Fort Monroe, Va.

SIR: Colonel John Pegram, who was released on his parole on condition of returning to Fort Monroe by the 15th of February if he did not procure the release of Colonel Willcox or Lieutenant-Colonel Bomford, informs me that Lieutenant-Colonel Bomford has been sent for and will be released in exchange for Colonel Pegram when he arrives. You will please send Colonel Pegram authority to remain at Richmond until Colonel Bomford arrives.

I am, sir, &c.,

L. THOMAS,

Adjutant-General.

U. S. FLAG-STEAMER PHILADELPHIA,

Off Roanoke Island, N. C., February 12, 1862.

Major General BENJAMIN HUGER,

Commanding Department, &c., Norfolk, Va.

SIR: I have this day released on parole the undermentioned individuals* recently serving in the Confederate Navy and captured by vessels belonging to the Navy of the United States. Each has signed a paper worded as follows:

OFF ROANOKE ISLAND, NORTH CAROLINA,

On board United States Vessels of War, February 12, 1862.

Belonging to the C. S. Navy and held as a prisoner of war by the authorities of the United States I, understanding that this paper is intended to release me on parole, do hereby pledge my sacred honor that until duly exchanged I will neither take up arms against the United States, serve against them in any manner or way, nor divulge to their prejudice anything I may hae heard or seen during my captivity.

I take it for granted that all of the above obligations under which they have voluntarily placed themselves will be religiously observed, and that no countenance whatever will be given to them from any quarter to do othewise.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH,

Flag-Officer, Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF NORTH CAROLINA,
Roanoke Island, February 12, 1862.

Major General BENJAMIN HUGER,

Commanding Department of Norfolk, Va.

GENERAL: In an engagement on the island on the 8th of this month between the forces of your department and mine I took over 2,500 of

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*List of thirty-three neames omitted.

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