Chas. C. Dwight to Simon B. Buckner, January 19, 1865

Maj. Gen. S. B. BUCKNER, Commanding District of Louisiana :

GENERAL: I have the honor to inform you that I have at this point for exchange 168 officers, prisoners of war, of the O. S. forces of the Trans-Mississippi Department, who are embraced in the cartel between Major Szymanski and myself, of July 23, 1864. I desire to deliver them on parole to await the delivery of their equivalent.

A dispatch addressed to Major Szymanski, in your care, intended to notify him of the arrival of these prisoners, was sent from Morganza this morning in the hope of reaching him before he should leave Alexandria. Fearing that he may have left Alexandria before that dispatch may have reached him, and that it may have been forwarded without its contents being known to you, I send this to request that if Major Szymanski has left Alexandria you will send a boat to the mouth of Red River upon the receipt of this, with some officer who may be authorized to receive and receipt for these prisoners. They are of the Helena and other captures in Arkansas, and of that at Donaldsonville, La. The comfort of the prisoners depends very much upon their prompt reception by you.

I have also to request that if Major Szymanski shall have left Alexandria before the receipt of this you will notify him of the delivery of these prisoners with as little delay as possible.

very respectfully, your most obedient servant,