The exchange should be pressed forward on every account, and when impracticable to convey the men by railroad they should be marched.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

R. E. LEE,

General.

[Indorsement.]

Answered by telegram:

General Grant agrees that prisoners may be received at Wilmington, and, even if captured, shall be counted in exchange. Have informed all officers in charge of prisoners and further instructions unnecessary.

Telegraphed to General Bragg, at Goldsborough, and General Holmes, at Raleigh, directing the latter to communicate to all officers in charge of prisoners all along the line.

J. A. CAMPBELL,

Assistant Secretary of War.

ROCKFISH CREEK, February 24, 1865.

General R. E. LEE, Petersburg:

The Federal commander has consented to receive the prisoners, and they will be sent to Northeast River, the point agreed on, as rapidly as possible. Lieutenant-Colonel Hatch, our agent, has arrived.

BRAXTON BRAGG,

General.

(Copy to Honorable Secretary of War, General Gardner. General Lawton, Richmond.)

FEBRUARY 24, 1865.

Lieutenant-General HOLMES, Raleigh:

Enemy have consented to receive prisoners at Northeast River. Please facilitate their transportation this way much as possible.

BRAXTON BRAGG.

RICHMOND, February 24, 1865.

general BRAGG:

General Grant has renewed orders to receive prisoners at Wilmington.

W. M. GARDNER,

Brigadier-General.

RICHMOND February 24, 1865. (Via Greensborough.)

General BRADLEY T. JOHNSON:

General Grant has renewed orders to receive prisoners at Wilmington. All prisoners will be sent there except sick and attendants, who will be sent to Richmond. Communicate with detachments sent off.

W. M. GARDNER,

Brigadier-General.

FEBRUARY 24, 1865.

General BAKER, Goldsborough:

The enemy having consented to receive the prisoners the commanding general desires you facilitate their transportation here as much as possible.

ARCHER ANDERSON,

Assistant Adjutant-General.