CELL IN LIBBY PRISON, Richmond, Va., December 16, 1864.

Honorable EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of war:

SIR: I am confined in a cell under Libby Prison in retaliation for the confinement in irons of four privates of the Southern armies at Johnson's Island. I am informed by the C. S. Authorities that my treatment will be in accordance with that said privates receive, and that when they are released and sent South I shall be sent North. The following copy of a document I have received will be give you all the official information I have upon the subject:

OFFICE C. S. MILITARY PRISONS, Richmond, Va., December 12, 1864.

Captain BLISS, Lieutenants PAVEY, TOWLE, and MARKBREIT:

GENTLEMAN: This is to inform you that you are held in close confinement in retaliation for the treatments received by Privates George P. Simms, W. S. Burgess, John Marr, and Thomas M. Campbell. These men are now held in close confinement and irons by the order of your Government at Johnson's Island.

Your obedient servant,

T. P. TURNER,

Major, Commanding.

P. S. - You can inform your Government and friends.

T. P. T.

My health is already impaired by wounds and long confinement, so that I am illy prepared to endure the hardships of my present dismal life. With the hope that you will give this your personal attention and speedily restore me to the protection of the flag under which I have faithfully served for three years.

I have the honor to remain, yours, respectfully,

GEORGE N. BLISS,

Captain Troop C, First Rhode Island Cavalry.

[First indorsement.]

OFFICE COMMISSARY-GENERAL OF PRISONERS,

Washington, D. C., January 21, 1865.

Respectfully returned to the Secretary of War:

All prisoners held in close confinement or in irons for prisoners held in like manner have been ordered to be released and sent to Lieutenant-Colonel Mulford for exchange, by direction of the Secretary of War.

H. W. WESSELLS,

Brigadier General, U. S. Vols., Inspector and Com. General of Prisoners.

[Second indorsement.]

WAR DEPARTMENT, January 23, 1865.

Respectfully referred to the commissioner for the exchange of prisoners.

By order of the Secretary of War:

LOUIS H. PELOUZLE,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

[Third indorsement.]

JANUARY 25, 1865.

General Wessells has correctly indorsed this paper.

An exchange is momently [expected] to be heard of.

E. A. HITCHCOCK,

Major-General of Volunteers.