ment that is responsible for the failure to exchange prisoners is really responsible for the suffering which ensued on both sides.
We think we have already proven that this responsibility rests with the authorities at Washington; but we will strengthen the proof still further. We have published the cartel agreed upon on the 22d of July, 1862, and have called attention to the fact that a strict observance of its terms would have released all prisoners on both sides within ten days of their capture.
Where difficulties arose in reference to particular classes of prisoners, the cartel provided that these should be passed by until they could be adjusted, and the cartel continue in force as to other prisoners. This was done so long as the Confederates held the excess of prisoners.
Soon after the signing of the cartel, a correspondence ensued, which would unquestionably have stopped all exchange of prisoners had the Confederates not held a large excess of prisoners. The following
LETTER FROM GENERAL LEE
clearly sets forth the points at issue:
[Copy.]
Headquarters Army of the Confederate States,
To the General Commanding United States Army, Washington:
General—In obedience to the order of his Excellency, the President of the Confederate States, I have the honor to make to you the following communication:
On the 22d of July last a cartel for a general exchange of prisoners of war was signed by Major-General John A. Dix, on behalf of the United States, and by Major-General D. H. Hill, on the part of this Government. By the terms of that cartel it is stipulated that all prisoners of war hereafter taken shall be discharged on parole until exchanged.
Scarcely had the cartel been signed when the military authorities of the United States commenced a practice changing the character of the war from such as becomes civilized nations into a campaign of indiscriminate robbery and murder.
A general order, issued by the Secretary of War of the United States, in the city of Washington, on the very day that the cartel was signed in Virginia, directs the military commander of the United States to take the property of our people for the convenience and use of the army, without compensation.
A general order, issued by Major-General Pope on the 23d of July last, the day after the date of the cartel, directs the murder of our
