In your recounting of the Charleston situation, you forgot to mention the communique of the five Union generals among the Federal prisoners held in Charleston: Here is what they sent to Foster:
The journals of this morning inform us, for the first time, that five general officers of the Confederate service have arrived at Hilton Head, with a view to their being subjected to the same treatment that we are receiving here. We think it just to ask for these officers every kindness and courtesy that you can extend to them in acknowledgment of the fact that we, at this time, are as pleasantly and comfortably situated as is possible for prisoners of war, receiving from the Confederate authorities every privilege that we could desire or expect, nor or we unnecessarily exposed to fire. (Joslyn, page 21)
Your reply also mentioned the following:
...Confederates...had violated the exchange and parole cartel by returning to action thousands of men from the Vicksburg garrison without proper exchange...
I've addressed this concern before with you. Joslyn points out that Stanton had declared paroles after July 3, 1863 to be worthless. This was the situation for the Vicksburg paroles. General Halleck acknowledged that the Feds were not justified in punishing Confederates for violation of improper and illegal paroles.
Yes, Vicksburg surrendered on July 4.
The word of CSA officials was often worthless.
But happy holidays, and I remain your obedient servant, etc. etc. and so forth. :)
Walt