John H. Winder to Samuel Cooper, January 24, 1865

General S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General, Richmond, Va.:

GENERAL: I hope you will not consider me troublesome on the subject of the safety of the prisoners of war, but it is a question of so much importance, and my information concerning the movements of the two armies being derived entirely from the public print and rumor, I did not feel satistied to act without the opinion and advice from higher authority. As at present advised I do not think any point west and south of the Savannah River safe, but from the re-enforcements now arriving for the defense of South Carolina I think the point selected on the Charlotte and Columbia Railroad is as safe as any place I could now find. I have been and am still making preparations to complete the new prison. We have been delayed in the completion of the work by the interruption of the communications between this point and Charleston, which has prevented the district attorney from examining the title deeds to the property. That examination is now completed and the purchase made. The work will be pushed forward with all dispatch, and I hope very soon to have it occupied. I shall, agreeable to the indorsement of the Secretary, put myself in communication with the department commander and shall govern myself accordingly.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,