From the Richmond Dispatch, 9/24/1862
Flag of Truce. - A Federal steamboat has been lying
for several days past at Aiken’s Landing, on James river, awaiting the arrival
of paroled Yankee prisoners from this city. It leaked out yesterday that the
mission of those in charge was specially to convey away Pope’s officers, who,
under the terms of the President’s proclamation, have been held in strict
confinement since their capture. It was also rumored that the Lincoln Government
had made a demand on the constituted authorities of the Confederacy for the
surrender of the parties as prisoners of war. This was mere rumor, however. If
any such thing as a demand was made for them, it was no doubt accompanied by
concessions, and such a disavowal of Pope’s infamous proclamation as lifted
his less guilty companions and tools out of the difficulty in which they found
themselves involved by his action. It was determined yesterday that Pope’s
officers should be sent back. This announcement will strike the public with
surprise, but no doubt the conclusion was maturely considered. There are
ninety-six of Pope’s officers in custody here, among whom are Brig.-Gen. Henry
Prince, U. S. A.; Col. Geo. D. Chapman, 5th Conn.; Col. Wm C.
Leonard, Purnell Legion, (Md.;) Majors Wm. E. Cook, 28th N. Y., and
W. S. Atwood, 1st Michigan. Also, about 26 Captains, a larger number
of Lieutenants, and a sprinkling of Adjutants and Aids-de-Camp. In looking over
the parole list we find that some of these officers are set down as gentlemen,
manufacturers, soldiers, farmers, lawyers, mechanics, beer-makers, doctors,
clerks, artists, steamboat men, boiler-makers, lumbermen, coach painters,
builders, etc., etc. Prince, the ringleader of the gang, is set down as a
“soldier.” They are expected to start away at 7 o’clock this morning. With
them will be sent a umber of citizens of Washington, captured in the late battle
of Manassas. One hundred and fifty Yankees will probably start.
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