RICHMOND, February 16, 1865.

Honorable S. R. MALLORY, Secretary of the Navy:

SIR: The steamers Allison and Schultz, now engaged almost daily in the transportation of prisoners, are short of coal. It is of course very important that no impediment should exist in either sending off or receiving prisoners. I understand the parties owning the steamers have used every effort to supply themselves with coal, but without success. I will be very much obliged if you will direct Mr. Parker to furnish such a supply as will enable these steamers to discharge flag-of-truce duty.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,

RO. OULD,

Agent of Exchange.

BUREAU OF EXCHANGE, February 16, 1865.

Major T. P. TURNER, Commanding, &c.:

MAJOR: I will thank you to have all the paroled men who are in prison quarters and 200 of the strongest convalescents from hospital put aboard the Allison by 9 a. m. to-morrow.

Put the remaining hospital patients aboard the Schultz by 9 a. m. Send the nine or more officers received from Danville yesterday on the Allison.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

WM. H. HATCH,

Assistant Agent of Exchange.

[First indorsement.]

FEBRUARY 16, 1865.

Surgeon SEMPLE:

Please let me know if you can carry out the first part of the within, or at least to what extent, and do so as far as you can. Return this paper.

THOS. P. TURNER,

Major &c.

[Second indorsement.]

GENERAL HOSPITAL Numbers 21.

Richmond, Va., February 16, 1865.

Respectfully returned.

The order can be carried out in relation to sick and wounded.

G. WM. SEMPLE,

Surgeon in Charge.

RICHMOND, February 16, 1865.

General B. T. JOHNSON:

Florence prisoners will be sent to Salisbury-7,000.

W. M. GARDNER,

Brigadier-General.

HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY,
Washington, February 17, 1865.

Honorable E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War:

SIR: In accordance with your directions I respectfully report:

First. It is contrary to the usages of war to force a prisoner of war to return to the enemy's ranks. If he declines to return, he is, in regard