state of kitchen, clean; food, quality of, good and sufficient; quantity of, according to orders; water, plenty and good; sinks, clean; police of grounds, satisfactory; drainage, sufficient; police of hospital, very satisfactory; attendance of sick, same; hospital diet is subject to medical authorities; general health of prisoners, good; vigilance of guard has been a little better lately.

I have the honor of submitting herewith the plans, specifications, and suggestions in regard to the military prison to be located at Palm's Foundry. * That report contains all the information in regard to our military prisons that I am this week possessed of.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

GUST. HEINRICHS,

Lieutenant Colonel Forty-first Missouri Infty., Supt. and Insp. Officer.

[Indorsement.]

The report of Lieutenant-Colonel Heinrichs, superintendent and inspector of military prisons, approved. In view of the forwarding of plans and specifications for new military prison further remarks are dispensed with.

Respectfully referred to the Commissary-General of Prisoners.

JOSEPH DARR, JR,

Acting Provost-Marshal-General, Department of the Missouri.

RICHMOND, November 7, 1864.

To the SENATE AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA: +

* * * * *

The question in dispute between the two Governments relative to the exchange of prisoners of war has been frequently presented in former messages and reports, and is fully treated by the Secretary. The solicitude of the Government for the relief of our captive fellow citizens has know no abatement, but has, on the contrary, been still more deeply evoked by the additional sufferings to which they have been wantonly subjected, by deprivation of adequate food, clothing, and fuel, which they were not even permitted to purchase from the prison sutlers. Finding that the enemy attempted to excuse their barbarous treatment by the unfounded allegation that it was retaliatory for like conduct on our part, an offer was made by us with a view of ending all pretext for such recriminations or pretended retaliation. The offer has been accepted, and each Government is hereafter to be allowed to provide necessary comforts to its own citizens held captive by the other. Active efforts are in progress for the immediate execution of this agreement, an it is hoped that but few days will elapse before we shall be relived from the distressing thought that painful physical suffering is endured by so many of or fellow-citizens whose fortitude in captivity illustrates the national character as fully as did their valor in actual conflict.

* * * * *

JEFF'N DAVIS.

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*Omitted.

*For portions here omitted see Series IV.

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