B. J. Sweet to Eighth Regiment Veteran Reserve Corps, Comdg. Post, February 14, 1865

Camp Douglas, Chicago, Ill., February 14, 1865.

Bvt. Brig. Gen. WILLIAM HOFFMAN, Commissary-General of Prisoners, Washington, D. C.:

GENERAL: I have the honor to respectfully report that the question is constantly asked by the prisoners of war at this camp, “If we decline to be exchanged and are willing to take and abide by the oath of allegiance to the Government of the United States, what will it avail us? Will we be released from imprisonment, and if so, within what period of time?” Probably if assurances could be officially given that within a reasonably specified time such prisoners would be released, from one-fourth to one-third of the prisoners of war at this camp would publicly decline exchange. Your telegram of this date, from which is quoted, ‘Arrangements will be made at the proper time for the discharge of those who publicly decline the offer of exchange,” is too indefinite to induce any prisoner to refuse exchange, as the question recurs— When will that proper time be? I deem it my duty to report this condition of their minds and respectfully ask definite information for my guidance.

I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient

servant,

Colonel Eighth Regiment Veteran Reserve Corps, Comdg. Post.