H. W. Wessells to HEADQUARTERS Rock ISLAND BARRACKS, January 5, 1865
Washington, D. O., January 5, 1865.
Maj. Gen. E. R. S. CANBY, Comdg. Mil. Div. of West Mississippi, New Orleans, La. :
GENERAL: I have the honor to inform you that the necessary orders have been issued from this office for the forwarding to you for exchange of the prisoners captured at Helena, Ark., July 4, 1863; those captured by the forces of Major-General Steele in the Department of Arkansas prior to July 28, 1864, and the officers (if any in our possession) who were captured at âort Butler, Donaldsonville, La., in June, 1863, and inclose herewith for your information copies* of orders from this office in relation to the same.
Those prisoners who were captured in Arkansas and who are now confined at Little Rock, Ark., being within your command, can be transferred on your order.
very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Brig. Gen., U. S. Vols., Inspector and Com. Gen. of Prisoners.
HEADQUARTERS Rock ISLAND BARRACKS,
Rock Island, Ill., January 3, 1865.
Brig. Gen. H. W. WESSELLS, PAE
Inspector and Commissary-General of Prisoners :
GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the communication addressed by you to Hon. C. M. Harris, Member of Congress,
* See Special Orders, No. 49, December 30, 1864, Vol. VII, this series, p. 1298.