THE IMMORTAL SIX HUNDRED
precisely the same manner as the enemy treats ours; that is, to be placed in a position where they will be most exposed to the fire of the Rebels. In whatever position they may be placed, whether in field or in batteries or vessels, you will take every proper precaution to prevent their escape or recapture, putting them in irons if necessary for that purpose. The Secretary of War directs on that point you will exercise great vigilance, and that the Rebel officers will be treated with same severity that they treat ours.
Very respectfully your obedient servant,
H. W. Halleck,
Maj.-Gen., Chief of Staff.
(War Records, Vol. xxxv, Part 2, p. 143.)
Had Gen. J. G. Foster, U. S. A., communicated by flag of truce, which he could have done, with his officers, the prisoners of war, in Charleston, he would have been saved the humiliation of having his letter and its statements refuted over the signatures, in a joint letter, of his own prisoners of war confined in Charleston City. They say in their letter they are not under fire, in no danger whatever, and are
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