John . Breckinridge to J. A. SEDDON, Secretary of War, February 1, 1865

Hon. J. A. SEDDON, Secretary of War:

DEAR SIR: I beg leave to call your attention to the condition of the Federal prisoners of war at Salisbury, N. O. Accounts reach me of the most distressing character in regard to their suffering and destitution. I earnestly request you to have the matter inquired into, and if in our power to relieve them that it be done. If they are willfully left to sutfer when we can avoid it, it would be not only a blot upon our humanity, but would lay us open to a severe retaliation. I know how straitened our means are, however, and will cast no blame upon any one without further information,

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, i I think the subject of this letter deserves immediate attention, and