From the Richmond Dispatch, 9/24/1862

Flag of Truce. - A Federal steamboat has been lying for several days past at Aiken's Landing, on James river, awaiting the arrival of paroled Yankee prisoners from this city. It leaked out yesterday that the mission of those in charge was specially to convey away Pope's officers, who, under the terms of the President's proclamation, have been held in strict confinement since their capture. It was also rumored that the Lincoln Government had made a demand on the constituted authorities of the Confederacy for the surrender of the parties as prisoners of war. This was mere rumor, however. If any such thing as a demand was made for them, it was no doubt accompanied by concessions, and such a disavowal of Pope's infamous proclamation as lifted his less guilty companions and tools out of the difficulty in which they found themselves involved by his action. It was determined yesterday that Pope's officers should be sent back. This announcement will strike the public with surprise, but no doubt the conclusion was maturely considered. There are ninety-six of Pope's officers in custody here, among whom are Brig.-Gen. Henry Prince, U. S. A.; Col. Geo. D. Chapman, 5th Conn.; Col. Wm C. Leonard, Purnell Legion, (Md.;) Majors Wm. E. Cook, 28th N. Y., and W. S. Atwood, 1st Michigan. Also, about 26 Captains, a larger number of Lieutenants, and a sprinkling of Adjutants and Aids-de-Camp. In looking over the parole list we find that some of these officers are set down as gentlemen, manufacturers, soldiers, farmers, lawyers, mechanics, beer-makers, doctors, clerks, artists, steamboat men, boiler-makers, lumbermen, coach painters, builders, etc., etc. Prince, the ringleader of the gang, is set down as a "soldier." They are expected to start away at 7 o'clock this morning. With them will be sent a number of citizens of Washington, captured in the late battle of Manassas. One hundred and fifty Yankees will probably start.

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