WASHINGTON, D. C., August 27, 1863.

Major General H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief, &c.:

SIR: The proposal of the 12th instant, on the subject of paroles, directed by you with the approval of the Honorable Secretary of War, was presented to Mr. Robert Ould by General Meredith on the 24th instant, and was declined; and Mr. Ould submits the following proposal: that--

All paroles on both sides heretofore given shall be determined by the general orders issued by the War Department of the United States, to wit: Numbers 49, Numbers 100, and Numbers 207 of this year, according to their respective dates, and in conformity with paragraph 131 of General Orders, Numbers 100, so long as said paragraph was in force. If this proposition is not accepted I propose that the practice heretofore adopted respecting paroles and exchanges be continued. In other words, I propose that the whole question of paroles be determined by the general orders of the United States, according to their dates, or that it be decided by former practice.

This proposal bears date the 24th of August, at City Point. The questions connected with this matter are respectfully submitted.

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

E. A. HITCHCOCK,

Major General of Vols. and Commissioner for Exchange of Prisoners.

WASHINGTON, D. C., August 27, 1863.

Major General H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief, &c.:

SIR: The following passage occurs in a communication of the 25th instant from General Meredith, reporting the results of his recent interview with Mr. Robert Ould, at City Point, to wit: *

Communicated for the information of the General-in-Chief.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

E. A. HITCHCOCK,

Major General of Vols. and Commissioner of Exchange of Prisoners.

WASHINGTON, D. C., August 27, 1863.

Major General H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief:

SIR: General Meredith reports by letter of the 25th instant that in his late interview with Mr. Ould the latter proposed "to exchange officer for officer of the same grade, except such as are in command of negro troops," which General Meredith (very properly) declined.

Communicated for the information of the General-in-Chief.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

E. A. HITCHCOCK,

Major General of Vols. and Commissioner for Exchange of Prisoners.

OFFICE COMMISSARY-GENERAL OF PRISONERS,

Washington, D. C., August 27, 1863.

Brigadier General J. M. SCHOFIELD,

Commanding Department of the Missouri, Saint Louis, Mo.:

GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 21st instant relative to the discharge of prisoners of war at the

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*See Meredith to Hitchcock, August 25, paragraph beginning "To my demand," and ending "no comment is necessary," p. 226.

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