I am sorry to trouble you with so long a letter, but it seemed necessary that I should enter into details.

I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,

N. B. BUFORD,

Brigadier - General, Commanding.

FORT DELAWARE, April 25, 1863.

Colonel W. HOFFMAN, Commissary - General of Prisoners:

Some of the prisoners to be exchange wish to take the oath and not to be sent South. Please reply.

A. SCHOEPF,

Brigadier - General, Commanding.

WASHINGTON, April 25, 1863.

Lieutenant - Colonel LUDLOW,

Agent for Exchange of Prisoners:

Prisoners from Fort Lafayette have arrived at Fort Delaware. No report has been received relative to Major Armies and Lieutenant Davis. Please return them.

WH. HOFFMAN.

FORT MONROE, April 25, 1863.

Colonel W. HOFFMAN, Commissary - General of Prisoners:

Have those prisoners including Zarvona, been sent from Fort Lafayette to Fort Delaware? If into will you please give the necessary orders and I will delay sending up the steamer to Fort Delaware until their arrival there. Please reply.

W. H. LUDLOW,

Agent for Exchange of Prisoners.

WASHINGTON, April 25, 1863.

Lieutenant Colonel W. H. LUDLOW:

Prisoners, including Zarvona, left Fort Lafayette April 16. Arrival at Fort Delaware not reported. I inquired yesterday and directed a report made to you.

W. HOFFMAN,

Commissary - General of Prisoners.

OFFICE COMMISSARY - GENERAL OF PRISONERS,

Washington, April 25, 1863.

Lieutenant Colonel W. H. LUDLOW,

Agent for Exchange of Prisoners, Fort Monroe, Va.

COLONEL: I inclose herewith the rolls* of rebel prisoners captured and paroled at Van Buren, Ark., and the certificate of Lieutenant -Colonel Stuart, Tenth Illinois Cavalry, showing that they were delivered into the hands of the rebel authorities at Little Rock.

In answer to my inquiries you have informed me that all citizens delivered since the last declaration of exchanges have been exchanged,

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* Omitted.

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