5

Two of them are deserters from the Prisoners of War
in Charge of Col H. E. McCulloch, the other a
murderer (Citizen) who contrary to the tenor of
the President's Proclamation was attempting
when arrested, to make his way into the United
States. I removed the manacles from the wrists
of the two deserters and substituted balls and
chains attached to their legs. I refer You to a Copy
of written orders (marked "A") issued by me on
taking charge of them. I was aware that it was
not essential that the orders should be written,
yet as some difficulty had arisen on this head
at the time of the escape of another Prisoner
of War some time since I thought it best to
take every precaution.

Many applications have been made to me by
strangers and others to be permitted to visit these
Prisoners, all of which requests I have promptly
declined; I refer to a Letter from Br't Lt. Col. H.
Bomford U.S.A. one of the Prisoners of War residing
in this City as bearing on the point (marked. "B".)
and my reply (marked "C") All of which You will
oblige me by submitting to the notice of Gen'l P.
O. Herbert C.S.A.

In relation to the movements of my Company
I would state that my delay in Complying with
Your order directing me to proceed to Brownsville
has been caused by several of my Company being
absent on recruiting service whom it was inexpedient
to leave behind; the delay has been with Col
P. N. Luckett's C.S.A. permission and sanction.

As I leave this place for Brownsville on Tuesday next
it will be necessary for these Prisoners to be committed
to the Charge of some other Officer and I hope the course
I may adopt on leaving in absence of directions
from your office may be approved by Gen'l Herbert.