HDQRS. THIRD DIVISION, DEPT. OF WEST VIRGINIA,
Near Dublin Depot, W. Va., May 10, 1864.

I, Thomas Smith, lieutenant-colonel Thirty-sixth Regiment Virginia Infantry, C. S. Army, do solemnly declare that I will observe each and all of the obligations hereinafter given in this my parole of honor.

First. That I will report in person to be officer commanding the U. S. forces at Charleston, W. Va., as soon as I am able to travel, if in the meantime I am not duly exchanged.

THOMAS SMITH,

Lieutenant-Colonel Thirty-sixth Virginia Infantry, C. S. Army.

Witness:

JAMES ALLEN,

Captain, Second West Virginia Cavalry, and

Provost-Marshal Third Division, Dept. of West Virginia.

[First indorsement.]

CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA, WAR DEPARTMENT,

Bureau of Exchange, June 24, 1864.

The Federal authorities contend that it is the duty of the captors to keen a prisoner in actual custody and deliver him at either City Point or Vicksburg, and that if a prisoner is released on parole in any other way, or delivered elsewhere, the parole "is null and void" and not "binding. " As long as this is the Federal doctrine, self-defense compels us to adopt a like rule. This parole clearly comes within this rule. It is therefore declared null and void, and this officer is free to return at once to duty with his command.

By order:

W. H. HATCH,

Captain and Asst. Adjutant-General, Asst. Agent of Exchange.

[Second indorsement.]

JUNE 28, 1864.

There can be no doubt, on the principles and practice of the Federal authorities, that this parole can have no validity or obligation. It is null and of no effect, binding neither in law nor honor.

J. A. SEDDON,

Secretary of War.

[Third indorsement.]

ADJUTANT-GENERAL:

Order this officer to return to duty.

J. A. S.,

Secretary.

HEADQUARTERS, &C., May 11, 1864.

Brigadier-General HINKS:

Countermand my order to send boat to Fort Monroe. The prisoners will be turned over to Major Mulford.

BENJ. F. BUTLER,
Major-General, Commanding.

HDQRS. U. S. FORCES ON JOHNSON'S ISLAND,

Near Sandusky, Ohio, May 11, 1864.

Colonel WILLIAM HOFFMAN, Commissary-General of Prisoners:

COLONEL: I have the honor to inform you that I have succeeded Brigadier General H. D. Terry in command of the U. S. forces here and at