4

San Antonio, Dec. 11th, 1861.

Sir,
Being apprised of the Confinement of Sergeant
Douglas and Corporal Brown U.S.A. now prisoners of
War in this Place, I have the honor to address You this
Communication in behalf of myself and other U.S.
Officers, Prisoners of War, residing in San Antonio,
for the purpose of obtaining permission to visit
them and to ask for them that protection and
Consideration of their necessities which their helpless
Condition suggests.

I am well aware that no Appeal is necessary
to ensure their Relief when Your Attention is
once directed to the Subject of their Wants.

Very respectfully Your obdt serv't
signed: H Bomford

Capt R. B. Maclin, C.S.A. Maj. 6 Rgt Inft
Comm'dg, Officer C.S.A. Brevet Lt. Col. U.S.A.
Maj. H. Bomfort 6th U.S. Inf'ty
Brevet. Lieut Col U.S.A. San Antonio

Sir,

Your Communication of this date containing
a request in behalf of Yourself and other U.S. Officers
residing in this place to be permitted to visit the two
deserters from the Prisoners of War now in my
Custody and also asking for them that Protection
and Consideration of their necessities which their
helpless Condition suggests, has been received.

My Charge of said Deserters being but temporary,
in the absence of higher Authority, I feel it my
duty respectfully to decline Your request to be
permitted to visit them; Every Comfort Compatible
with their Condition shall be given to them, and
most surely every protection extended to them.
This having been the Course of the Confederate States
adopted towards its Prisoners since the Commencement
of the present War, I could not, if I wished, act otherwise.

Very respectfully Your obd't serv't.
signed: R. B. Maclin. Capt Light Arty.
Com'dr San Antonio Barracks.