WAR DEPARTMENT, Richmond, Va., May 7, 1863.

SECRETARY OF WAR.

SIR: While a prisoner of war at Memphis Lieutenant-Colonel Woods, of the C. S. Army, a prisoner confined in the Irving Block Prison, was shot dead while he was asleep by Lieutenant Lewis [Denis Daily], of the U. S. Army. Colonel Woods had paid Lieutenant Lewis money to aid him in making his escape. After Colonel Woods made his escape Lewis had him (Lieutenant-Colonel Woods) rearrested. After Colonel Woods was rearrested he said Lewis did not act the gentleman with him; he had given Lieutenant Lewis his money and then he (Lewis) betrayed him.

Lieutenant-Colonel Woods was in charge of Lieutenant Larkin and his company. When Lieutenant Lewis went to the prison and asked to see Lieutenant-Colonel Woods he was shown to him. Colonel Woods was asleep. He (Lieutenant Lewis) drew his pistol and shot Colonel Woods in the head, which produced instant death.

Lieutenant Lewis was tried by a court-martial but was not confined and he went to parts unknown. The decision of the court was not made known.

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

JAS HOEY,

Lieutenant, Company A, Seventeenth Arkansas, C. S. Army.

[First indorsement.]

OFFICE EXCHANGE OF PRISONERS,

Richmond, May 20, 1863.

Respectfully referred to Lieutenant Colonel William H. Ludlow, agent of exchange for further information in connection with this most extra-ordinary case.

RO. OULD,

Agent of Exchange.

[Second indorsement.]

FORT MONROE, May 26, 1863.

Respectfully referred to Colonel William Hoffman, commisary-general of prisoners.

WM. H. LUDLOW,

Lieutenant-Colonel and Agent for Exchange of Prisoners.

[Third indorsement.]

OFFICE COMMISSARY-GENERAL OF PRISONERS,

Washington, June 11, 1863.

Respectfully referred to Major-General Hurlbut with the request that the facts in this case may be given. *

W. HOFFMAN,

Colonel Third U. S. Infantry, Commissary-General of Prisoners.

RICHMOND, May 8, 1863.

CHARLES D. MYERS,

Assistant Adjutant-General, Petersburg:

All officers delivered by the Federal authorities at City Point up to May 6 are duly and regularly exchanged.

S. COOPER,

Adjutant and Inspector General.

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* See Vol. VI, this Series, for Hurlbut to Hoffman, June 28, 1863, making report upon this matter.

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60 R R-SERIES II, VOL V