Annotation
[1] Copy, DLC-McClellan Papers. Concerning the Union troops paroled by Confederate General James E. B. Stuart, Halleck at first replied that he thought there was ``nothing against'' Lincoln's proposal (OR, II, IV, 593), but later on the same day he replied, ``When I telegraphed you this morning I had only heard the cartel read by the Secretary of War. I have since examined the original document and withdraw my opinion. I am disposed to think the parole is made by the cartel to include all military duty.'' (Ibid., 593-94). On October 4, he concluded, ``After full consultation with the Secretary of War and Colonel Holt it is concluded that the parole under the cartel does not prohibit doing service against the Indians.'' (Ibid., 598). But Attorney General Bates on October 18 gave his opinion that ``The terms of the contract are . . . explicit . . . beyond a doubt. . . . It is the plainly declared purpose of the Cartel to prevent the use of prisoners paroled . . . in the discharge of any of the duties of a soldier. . . .'' (DLC-RTL). See also the note to Lincoln's letter to Stanton, September 20, supra.