Series 2, vol 5, Part 1 (Prisoners of War) pages 626-627
WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington City, May 15, 1863
His Excellency O. P. MORTON, Indianapolis, Ind.
SIR: The Secretary of War directs me to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 11th instant, in which you call attention to the announcement from the rebel newspapers that about 400 Alabamians, enlisted by Colonel Streight and regularly mustered into the Fifty-first Regiment Indiana Volunteers, captured near Rome, were refused their parole and sent to Richmond, and request that 800 prisoners may be selected from those now in our possession and held as hostages for the safety of these loyal Alabamians. In reply the Secretary instructs me to inform you that the same has been referred to General Hitchcock commissioner for exchange of prisoners.
Very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
JOHN POTTS,
Chief Clerk, War Department.