Major General Halleck. Head-Quarters Army of the Potomac,
Washington, D.C. October 3d. 1862. 8. A.M
Washington, D.C. October 3d. 1862. 8. A.M
General Stuart of the Rebel Army, has sent in a few of our prisoners under a flag of truce, paroled with terms to prevent their fighting the Indians, and evidently seeking to commit us to their right to parole our prisoners in that way. My inclination is to send the prisoners back with a distinct notice that we will recognize no parole given to our prisoners by the rebels, as extending beyond a prohibition against fighting them. Yet I wish your opinion upon it, based upon the general law and our cartel. I wish to avoid violations of law and bad faith. Answer as quick as possible, as the thing, if done at all, should be done at once. A. LINCOLN