Geo. WM. Brent to and Assistant Adjutant-General, January 9, 1865

Montgomery, January 9, 1865.

GENERAL: General Beauregard desires that you will furnish Maj. J. M. Bottle, quartermaster, with thirty Federal prisoners to take out the torpedoes and shells in railroad cuts on the West Point and Atlanta Railroad. Major Hottle has been charged with the repair of that road.

I am, general, respectfully,

your obedient servant,

Colonel and Assistant Adjutant-General.

[First indorsement.]

COLUMBIA, $. C., January 26, 1865.

Respectfully referred to the Adjutant aud Inspector General.

I don’t think this is legitimate work for prisoners of war. I have

therefore declined to furnish the prisoners asked for. I request to be

informed if I have decided properly.