HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA,
December 12, 1863.

General H. W. HALLECK, Commander-in-Chief U. S. Army:

GENERAL: I have had the honor to receive your letter of the 7th instant, proposing to exchange all U. S. prisoners of war now in Richmond and its vicinity for equivalents according to the scale of the cartel, and to leave for future arrangement questions in regard to other prisoners of war held by either party. The cartel having been agreed upon by both parties to regular the exchange of all prisoners I do not consider myself at liberty to depart from its provisions. I regret, therefore, that I am unable to accept you offer.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

R. E. LEE,

General.

FORT MONROE, December 12, 1863.

Honorable E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War:

The flag-of-truce boat just in. They report that the rebels refuse to receive any more supplies. Mr. Barclay failed to get through. Will telegraph more at length if anything more of importance.

B. F. BUTLER,

Major-General, Commanding.

Brigadier General J. H. Winder inclose letter from Lieutenant Colonel J. F. Boyd, quartermaster, U. S. Army, prisoner at the Libbly and a member of the Road of Distribution, refuting statements made in Northern papers relative to the non-delivery of the clothing*.

[Indorsement.]

DECEMBER 12, 1863.

Respectfully referred to Brigadier-General Meredith, agent of exchange.

RO. OULD,

Agent of Exchange.

FORT MONROE, December 12, 1863 - 9 p. m.

Major General E. A. HITCHCOCK:

The rebels refuse to receive anything more for our prisoners at City Point. Will write to-morrow.

S. A. MEREDITH,

Brigadier-General.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF WEST TENNESSEE,
In the Field, December 12, 1863.

Major General S. A. HURLBUT,

Commanding Federal Forces, Memphis, Tenn.:

GENERAL: I have the honor respectfully to state that information has just reached me that Captain Frank B. Gurley is on trial in Nashville

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* Boyld's letter not found,

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