Mrs Emley & myself returned from Washington last night. Gen. Hancock who is the principal person there for the arrangement of the exchange of prisoners promised us, to have you, & Lieut: Moncure, sent from Johnsons Island amongst the first that are now to leave. I am sorry I could not go,...

My son Algernon received a letter from my brother Jefferson, yesterday, dated 3d February, perhaps even later news than you have received. All well. I write principally to say that I feel to-day more encouraged in the matter of your exchange than I have done yet. Mr C. who has been unremitting in...

I heard yesterday that quite a number of Officers had left Johnsons Island last Saturday & again last night some passed through here. I do not know that it is true. I presume you would have written to me if you had been amongst the number. I went last Monday to ask Mrs Trist to write to Mr...

your letter of the 9th has been received. You had not then got Mr C–s enclosure, the answer to our representative, Mr Rice and the few words added by himself. Matters do not look very hopeful for your exchange. yet I hope on, and remember that “relief is often nearest when it appears at the...

I wrote to you on the 10th my dear Bennett, since which time we have heard nothing more of your exchange. Such matters are always slow & difficult. ...

your letter of 1st Jan. to Mr Coolidge is received. We have heard nothing farther of the exchange, but in such matters, delays are so unavoidable, that we still hope for success. Nothing will be wanting on our part to ensure it. I have heard nothing lately from our friends, except that a letter...

It seems to me some time since we heard from You, & this reminds me that it is longer since I have written You. I have been more dilatory than otherwise in doing so, from my inability to say anything on the subject of the special exchange. I am not without hope, in regard to it, though I fear...

An application properly signed by Officers and Senators has been presented to the secretary of war, for your exchange; or liberation on parole. This has been endorsed by the Secretary of the navy, and by the Commissary General of Prisoners, as also, I believe, by major General Halleck. It was...