S. P. Carter to Benjamin F. Butler, January 17, 1865

Respectfully returned to Byt. Brig. Gen. W. Hoffman, CommissaryGeneral of Prisoners, with reference to inclosed letter from Maj. George E. Cooper, medical director, Department of the Cumberland. GEO. H. THOMAS, Major-General, U. S. Army, Commanding.

JANUARY 2, [1865]. Maj. Gen. B. F. BUTLER, Comdgy. Dept. of Virginia and North Carolina, Fort Monroe: `

GENERAL: I have the honor to refer you to the bearer, Second Lieutenant Dobbs, Nineteenth U. S. Colored Infantry, an escaped prisoner from Columbia, S. C., as to the manner in which Capt. Shad. Harris, (Third Tennessee Cavalry, is treated by the rebels. Captain Harris has been in the hands of the rebels for two years, and has had all the indignities heaped upon him by his brutal captors of which even they are capable. You will learn from the statement of Lieutenant Dobbs the falsity of the assertion made by Mr. Ould that Captain Harris was not in irons.

Trusting, general, to the efficacy of your measures with rebels to secure the release of a zealous, high-spirited, and gallant officer of our service, who has suffered long and uncomplainingly,

respectfully, your obedient servant,