16 February 1865
Grant, Ulysses S. (Ulysses Simpson), 1822-1885
Autograph letter signed
Title: to Ethan A. Hitchcock
Writes to Major General Hitchcock about exchanging prisoners. Believes that prisoners not wanting to return to Confederate service should be exchanged first. "Those who preferred Northern prisons to a return to the rebel service were invited to step to the front. I think this is wrong. Those who do not wish to go back are the ones who it is most desirable to exchange. If they do not wish to serve in the rebel Army they can return to us, after exchange, and avoid it." Noted "Cipher" by Grant.
GLC05727