ARMY OF THE JAMES: The Rebels Compelling Our Prisoners to Work on Fortifications-Retaliation by Gen. Butler in Prospect (10/15/1864)

New York Times - Times Machine ^ | 10/15/1864

[Homer_J_Simpson]

From Our Special Correspondent.

HEADQUARTERS, ARMY OF THE JAMES,

Wednesday Evening, Oct. 12, 1864.

There is a fair prospect, as I write, that Gen. BUTLER will be forced to make retaliation upon the rebels for the way in which they are alleged to be treating our colored soldiers who were captured in our advance on the 29th ult. From deserters who came into camp this morning, Gen. BUTLER learned that a large number of the negro troops had lately been brought from the prisons at Richmond, and put to labor on the various fortifications in front of us. Justly indignant at this unparalleled violation of the rules of warfare, Gen. BUTLER promptly set measures in motion to meet the outrage by retaliation. First, the following affidavits were drawn up as a basis upon which to act, and then they were forwarded, with the accompanying letter, to Judge OULD, the Confederate Agent of Exchange. The affidavits and letter explain themselves fully:

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, ARMY OF THE JAMES, Oct. 12, 1864.

SAMUEL MILLER, of Battery C, Eighteenth Virginia Battery of Artillery, being duly sworn, deposes and says, that he, with his company, has been for some weeks past stationed at Battery No. 8, situated on the intermediate lines between the Charles City and Darbytown roads, and that, to his personal knowledge, he knows of some seventy-five to eighty colored prisoners of war, clad in the uniform of the United States, to have been kept at work on fortifications and intrenchments in that vicinity and upon that line since Thursday, the 6th inst.: deponent further says that he deserted and came away from his company this morning, up to which time they were still at work, to the best of his knowledge and belief;

[Homer_J_Simpson]

Free Republic University, Department of History presents U.S. History, 1861-1865: Seminar and Discussion Forum
The American Civil War, as seen through news reports of the time and later historical accounts

First session: November 21, 2015. Last date to add: May 2025.
Reading: Self-assigned. Recommendations made and welcomed.

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Link to previous New York Times thread

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[Homer_J_Simpson]

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[Homer_J_Simpson]

Army of the James: The Rebels Compelling Our Prisoners to Work on Fortification – 2-3
The War in Missouri: The Whereabouts of Price – 3
Guerrillas at Work Again on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad – 3
Southern News: Another Speech from Jeff. Davis – 3
News from Washington – 3
Editorial: The Soldiers and Gen. McClellan – 3
Editorial: Demoralization of the Rebel Armies – 3-4
Editorial: The Late Elections – 4
Amusements – 4