CONFEDERATE CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING TO OPERATIONS IN SOUTHEASTERN VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, FROM JULY 5, 1864, TO JULY 31, 1864.--#2

RICHMOND, VA., July 11, 1864.

Col. W. H. TAYLOR,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Army of Northern Virginia:

COLONEL: There are several hundred Confederate prisoners confined in Castle Thunder to great inconvenience both as regards rations and guards. Many of these men from the Army of Northern Virginia are without charges, some having been confined for months. A complete list was sent to Major Bridgford, provost-marshal, Army of Northern Virginia, a few days since. It is stated that some of the men without charges are confined at the instance of regimental officers who still have the necessary papers. I would submit the question to the general commanding whether it would not be best to send such of these men as it may be unadvisable to pardon to Salisbury, N. C.; to send in future such as Major Bridgford may not be able to guard himself to the same place. This would give me more troops for the defense of the city. If the same rule were adopted with regard to Federal prisoners the relief would be important.

Respectfully, &c.,

R. S. EWELL,
Lieutenant-General.

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