OFFICE COMMISSARY-GENERAL OF PRISONERS,

Washington, D. C., February 5, 1863.

Captain ISAAC B. KINKEAD,

Seventy-seventh Ohio Volunteers, Alton Military Prison.

CAPTAIN: In reply to your letter of the 30th ultimo asking permission to enlist men from the different military prisons I have to in from you that the War Department has not and probably will not authorize any enlistments of the character you mention.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. HOFFMAN,

Colonel Third Infantry, Commissary-General of Prisoners.

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF PENSACOLA,
February 5, 1863.

Lieutenant Colonel RICHARD B. IRWIN, Assistant Adjutant-General.

SIR: I have the honor to report that on yesterday, 4th instant, a flag of truce from the enemy arrived at our lines conveying a communication from General Buckner, Confederate Army, of which inclosed is a copy (marked A), to which I made a reply of which I likewise inclosed a copy (marked B).

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

ISAAC DYER,

Colonel, Commanding.

[Inclosure A.]

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF THE GULF,
Mobile, January 31, 1863.

OFFICER COMMANDING U. S. FORCES, Pensacola, Fla.

SIR: I am directed by General Braxton Bragg, commanding this department, to inform you that the following-named officers of the Federal Army captured at Murfreesborough, Tenn., will be held in close confinement at Atlanta, Ga., as hostages for Judge Wright, Mr. George W. Wright and Mr. Merritt, citizens of Pensacola, who he understands are now inhumanly and contrary to the rules of civilized warfare confined in Fort Pickens for refusing to take the oath of allegiance to the Abolition Government, viz, Captain B. W. Canfield, Company E, One hundred and fifth Ohio Regiment; First Lieutenant A. W. Tourgee, Company G, One hundred D, One hundred and fifth Ohio Regiment. Should the general commanding have been incorrectly informed with reference to the circumstances attending the incarceration of the citizens of the Confederate States named above it will give me pleasure to advise him of any facts with which you may furnish me which may tend to alleviate the condition of the U. S. officers now held as hostages.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

S. B. BUCKNER,

Major-General, C. S. Army, Commanding District.

[Inclosure B.]

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF PENSACOLA,
February 4, 1863.

Major General S. B. BUCKNER, Confederate Army.

SIR: I beg leave to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of 31st ultimo in regard to the intention of General Bragg to keep in