OFFICE COMMISSARY-GENERAL OF PRISONERS,

Washington, D. C., February 27, 1863.

Captain H. M. LAZELLE,

Assistant to Commissary-General of Prisoners.

CAPTAIN: You will proceed immediately to Camp Parole, near Annapolis, and make a minute inspection into its condition in every branch of the service-discipline, supplies, quarters, records, &c. Ascertain what provision is made at Annapolis for the reception of paroled troops arriving there by water under orders to repair to Camp Parole. You will particularly inquire into the matter referred to in the accompanying papers*. Having performed this service you will return to your duties in this office.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. HOFFMAN,

Colonel Third Infantry, Commissary-General of Prisoners.

OFFICE COMMISSARY-GENERAL OF PRISONERS,

Washington, D. C., February 27, 1863.

Captain H. M. LAZELLE,

Asst. to Commissary-General of Prisoners, Washington, D. C.

CAPTAIN: I intended to make some verbal suggestions to you in relation to the inspection you are to make at Camp Parole which as I will not see you again before you leave I will put in writing. It is frequently said that soldiers are encouraged by the officers to leave the camp and go to their homes without authority. Make particular inquiries into this matter of officers and non-commissioned officers. Send for sergeant of Illinois regiments and ascertain what statements they make as to the manner of their treatment on arriving at Annapolis. Of course you will see what preparations are made for their reception, and from Colonel Sangster's report will know if there is any foundation for their complaints. Examine into the manner in which guard duty is done and find if my instructions on this subject are observed. Look into the condition of the camp fund and see what purchases are made from it. Inspect the hospital and see that the sick are comfortably provided for. Your orders cover all these points and I suggest them only that none may be lost sight of.

Yours, very truly,

W. HOFFMAN,

Colonel Third Infantry, Commissary General of Prisoners.

OFFICE COMMISSARY-GENERAL OF PRISONERS,

Washington, D. C., February 27, 1863.

WILLIAM B. SMITH, Esq., Machais, Me.

SIR: In reply to your letter of the 16th instant requesting the exchange of the captain and crew of the brig Machais, of Machais, Me., who were captured near the Island of Cuba by the rebel steamer Sumter July last and released on parole I have to inform you that since my letter to you of the 31st ultimo I have learned from Lieutenant-Colonel Ludlow, agent for the exchange of prisoners, that the eight section of General Orders, Numbers 10, is intended to cover our side

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* Not found.

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