RICHMOND, October 31, 1864.

General JAMES CHESNUT, Columbia, S. C.:

Governor Bonham protests against the establishment of a depot for prisoners near to Columbia. An island has been recommended as a better location, and Captain Hayden, of engineers, directed to examine it. I wish to comply with the request of the Governor if it can be consistently done. Please inquire into the matter and advise me.

JEFFERSON DAVIS.

WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington City, November 1, 1864.

JOHN. L. HANCOCK, Esq., President,

JOHN F. BEATY, Esq., Secretary,

Board of Trade, Chicago, Ill.:

GENTLEMEN: With reference to your communication of the 20th ultimo, addressed to the President, conveying the action of the Board of Trade of Chicago, in which retaliation is suggested for the treatment of prisoners in the hands of the rebels, I am instructed to say it is hoped that the arrangement recently agreed upon between Lieutenant-General Grant and the rebel General Lee for furnishing supplies to prisoners of war, on both sides of the line, will render unnecessary a resort to the terrible means of retaliation recommended.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

L. H. PELOUZE,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

OFFICE PROVOST-MARSHAL OF PRISONERS,

Rock Island Barracks, Rock Island, Ill. November 1, 1864.

Colonel A. J. JOHNSON,

Fourth Regiment Veteran Reserve Corps, Commanding Post:

COLONEL: I have the honor to report the condition of prison and prison hospital for the week ending to-day, as follows:

The buildings, interior and exterior and exterior, are clean and present a comfortable appearance. The streets and avenues, by constant policing, are clean and free from all smell. The kitchens of both departments are in excellent condition. The general appearance of the prisoners is good. No change of importance since last report.

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

A. P. CARAHER,

Lieutenant Colonel Fourth Regiment Veteran Reserve Corps,

Provost-Marshal of Prisoners.

HDQRS. MILITARY DIVISION OF WEST MISSISSIPPI, OFFICE AGENT OF EXCHANGE,
New Orleans, La., November 1, 1864.

Major IG. SZYMANSKI,

Asst. Agent of Exchange, Trans-Miss. Dept., C. S. Army:

MAJOR: I have the honor to notify you that I will receive the U. S. Army prisoners now at Camp Groce, Tex., and as many more as you may choose to add to them to make up full equivalents for the garrison