OFFICE COMMISSARY-GENERAL OF PRISONERS,

Dtroit, Mich., May 16, 1862.

Colonel G. LOOMIS,

First Infantry, Commanding Fort Columbus, N. Y.

COLONEL: I have received to-day your favor of the 6th instant and beg to say in reply that if you willfurnish me with the number and kind of articles of clothing required for the prisoners of war at Fort Columbus Iwill endeavor to have their wants supplied as soon as possible. It will not be possible for me to visit New York for some weeks.

I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. HOFFMAN,

Lieutenant Colonel Eighth Infantry, Commissary-General of Prisoners.

OFFICE COMMISSARY-GENERAL OF PRISONERS,

Detroit, Mich., May 16, 1862.

Colonel JAMES A MULLIGAN,

Commanding Camp Douglas, Chicago, Ill.

COLONEL: I have to-day received a letter from Major Smith,* in charge Camp Randall I which he reports that the three surgeons sent there for duty with the sick prisoners have refused to serve because they are not permitted to leave the camp. I am not surprised at receiving this report after hearing the character given these men by the visitors, and I have in consequence ordered them back to Camp Douglas, their places to be filled by the best surgeons you have as announced to you by telegraph.

In refusing to attend the sick of their own people who so much required their services they have shown themselves wanting in the kindly feelings which should govern medical officers, and I leave it to your discretion to make the alternative they have chosen as little agreeable as possible. Of course they will not be employed professionally and all privileges granted to prisoenrs will be withheld from them.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. HOFFMAN,

Lieutenant Colonel Eighth Infantry, Commissary-General of Prisoners.

OFFICE COMMISSARY-GENERAL OF PRISONERS,

Detroit, Mich., May 16, 1862.

Captain JOHNH. DICKERSON,

Assistant Quartermaster, U. S. Army, Cincinnati, Ohio.

CAPTAIN: Your favor of the 29th ultimo is just received and in compliance with your request I inclose copies of two letters giving me authority to provide for the wants of the prisoners of war. The instructions are not very specific, but to show their bearing allmatters in relation to expenditure at camps where prisoners are held are referred to me by the Quartermaster-General.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. HOFFMAN,

Lieutenant Colonel Eighth Infantry, Commissary-General of Prisoners.

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* Reference is to letter of the 9th, p. 528.

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