necessary in anticipation of the arrival of large numbers of prisoners. I believe a force pump and hose have been ordered for use at the fort, which will serve to transfer the water from the water boat to such place as it may be required. The present buildings have their floor on the ground, which being always very damp makes them uncomfortable and unhealthy. The height of the building is such that the floor may be raised fifteen or eighteen inches from the ground and leave still sufficient from the floor to the eaves to admit of three tiers of bunks, about nine feet. The Quartermaster - General approves of this modification. Experience shows also that ventilation by an opening in the roof through its whole length just below the ridge is objectionable also, as in stormy weather rain and snow blow in, making the barracks wet and uncomfortable. Square ventilators some fifteen of twenty feet apart set into the comb of the roof with shutters on the four sides are suggested as more convenient.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. HOFFMAN,

Colonel Third Infantry, Commissary - General of Prisoners.

FORT MONROE, April 21, 1863.

Colonel W. HOFFMAN, Commissary - General of Prisoners:

It is very important for me to know why and how those Confederate officers were released at Vicksburg and for what equivalents. Will you inquire and let me know as soon as possible?

WM. H. LUDLOW,

Lieutenant - Colonel, &c.

FORT MONROE, April 21, 1863.

Colonel W. HOFFMAN, Commissary - General of Prisoners:

What shall I do with the lists of regulars captured in Texas which you sent me? They were long ago declared exchanged and are accounted for.

WM. H. LUDLOW,

Lieutenant - Colonel, &c.

FORT MONROE, April 21, 1863.

Colonel W. HOFFMAN, Commissary - General of Prisoners:

Have equivalents been received for Colonel Looney, Captain Sanford and Lieutenant Bright, C. S. Army, delivered at Vicksburg to Major Watts on the 2nd instant? If not, why were they sent there?

WM. H. LUDLOW,

Lieutenant - Colonel, &c.

CARTHAGE, JASPER COUNTRY, MO., April 21, 1863.

Major JAMES H. STEGER, Assistant Adjutant - General.

SIR: A few days since two of my best soldiers were captured by a gang of guerrillas and taken ten or twelve miles from here to the camp of one Colonel Harrison (formerly lieutenant - colonel of MacDonald's regiment, now its colonel), from whom I received a note in some mysterious way stating that he had my men and would hold them until