B. E Tracy to 127th U. S. Colored Troops, Commanding Depot, January 21, 1865

Elmira, N. Y., January 21, 1865.

Brig. Gen. H. W. WESSELLS, Commissary- General of Prisoners : GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your conimunication of the 19th instant, calling attention to the fact that I have not reported my views (as requested in communication from your office dated December 12, 1864) as to the necessity of issuing clothing to prisoners of war at the present time. I would offer in explanation that about the same date (December 12) we received instructions from Brigadier-General Paine, U. S. Volunteers, to forward immediately through him, to the agent of the rebel authorities, a report from the prisoners of war at this depot of the supplies necessary to render them comfortable. This report was forwarded at once, and inasmuch as we had just received a partial supply of clothing (sent by mistake to this depot), I did not deem it necessary to make any further report before the arrival of the supplies from the rebel authorities. In obedience to your instructions of the 19th instant I have forwarded this day requisition in duplicate for such clothing as will be absolutely necessary within the next four weeks. I am,

very respectfully, your obedient servant,

Colonel 127th U. S. Colored Troops, Commanding Depot.