O.R.--SERIES II--VOLUME VII [S# 120]

UNION & CONFED. CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, ETC., RELATING TO PRISONERS OF WAR AND STATE FROM APRIL 1, 1864, TO DECEMBER 31, 1864.--#40

OFFICE C. S. MILITARY PRISONS,
Richmond, Va., October 14, 1864.

Capt. W. H. HATCH, Assistant Agent of Exchange:

CAPTAIN: In reply to your inquiry in reference to the negro soldiers in my custody, I have the honor to make the following report:

One hundred and forty-eight prisoners of this class have been delivered at the prisons under my charge, and this number includes all that ever have been received here. They belong to the Fifth, Seventh, and Thirtieth U.S. Colored Troops; were dressed in Federal uniform, and reported as having been captured in arms. Twelve of these prisoners have died in hospital since their capture, and fifty-four are now in hospital sick or wounded. <ar120_988>

The remainder, eighty-two, were delivered to Captain Callahan, C. S. Army, on the 6th instant, upon order from Lieutenant-General Ewell (a copy of which I herewith inclose), "for work on fortification."

These negroes were well clad, provided with a day's rations, and seemed pleased at being released from prison to be put to work.

I am, captain, your obedient servant,

TH. P. TURNER,
Major, Commanding.

P. S.--I learn from Castle Thunder, which is not under my charge, that sixty-eight negro soldiers were sent to the works on the 2d instant. These negroes were captured at Petersburg July 30, 1864. Eleven of them are free; the rest are slaves.

[Inclosure.]

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF RICHMOND,
Richmond, Va., October 5, 1864.

Maj. I. H. CARRINGTON, Provost. Marshal:

MAJOR: The lieutenant-general commanding directs that the negroes at Libby Prison, mentioned in your communication of yesterday, be turned over to Brigadier-General Barton for work on the fortifications. General Barton has been directed to send a guard for them.

Respectfully,

T. O. CHESTNEY,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

[Indorsement.]

OCTOBER 5, 1864.

Respectfully referred to Major Turner, commanding C. S. military prisons, who will deliver the negroes when called for by the guard of General Barton. They will include all negroes on hand not employed about the prison.

I. H. CARRINGTON,
Provost. Marshal.

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