officers now prisoners of war in your hands may be authorized to act as quartermaster in the reception and distribution of these stores to our prisoners. Owing to the lack of transportation from Port Royal Ferry to the railroad, I propose to send the supplies by the way of Savannah, meeting a steamer sent by you under flag of truce. *

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. G. FOSTER,

Major-General, Commanding.

HDQRS. DEPT. OF WEST TENNESSEE AND NORTH MISS.,
August 21, 1864.

Major General C. C. WASHBURN,

Commanding U. S. Forces, Memphis:

GENERAL: I have a number of U. S. prisoners in my possession which I propose to exchange for an equal number of C. S. prisoners of equal rank. If you have not an equal number I will parole the remainder I have, with the understanding that if you should capture any of my men you will parole for exchange.

I make the proposition for the sake of humanity to the prisoners. If you have no prisoners belonging to my command I will exchange for any others you may have, but my proposition is for my own first.

I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

N. B. FORREST,

Major-General.

General Forrest sends me to Major-General Washburn for the purpose of effecting an exchange. I hereby accept the mission with the understanding that I shall return, to which condition I hereby pledge my honor, and not to reveal anything I have seen.

JAS. H. O'CONNOR,

Major, Third Illinois Cavalry, Prison of War.

HEADQUARTERS U. S. MILITARY PRISON,
Camp Morton, Indianapolis, Ind., August 21, 1864.

Colonel W. HOFFMAN,

Commissary-General of Prisoners, Washington, D. C.:

COLONEL: In compliance with your instructions I have the honor to transmit herewith a report and suggestions from Surg. Charles J. Kipp, in charge prison hospital at this camp.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

A. A. STEVENS,

Colonel Fifth Regiment Veteran Reserve Corps, Commanding Camp Morton.

[Inclosure.]

MILITARY PRISON HOSPITAL,

Camp Morton, Indianapolis, August 16, 1864.

Colonel A. A. STEVENS, Commanding Camp:

COLONEL: In compliance with instructions received from you this day I have the honor to submit the following suggestions as to the most practicable mode of remedying the evils which cause an unusual

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*For reply see August 25, 1864, Series I, Vol. XXXV, Part II, p. 257.

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