to offer a stubborn resistance in the field.

"Your committee, finding it impossible to describe in words
the deplorable condition of these returned prisoners, have
caused photographs to be taken of a number of them, and a
fair sample to be lithographed and appended to their report,
that their exact condition may be known by all who examine
it. Some of them have since died.

"There is one feature connected with this investigation, to
which your committee can refer with pride and satisfaction;
and that is the uncomplaining fortitude, the undiminished
patriotism exhibited by our brave men under all their
privations, even in the hour of death.

"Your committee will close their report by quoting the
tribute paid these men by the chaplin of the hospital at
Annapolis, who has ministered to so many of them in their
last moments; who has smoothed their passage to the grave by
his kindness and attention, and who has performed the last
sad offices over their lifeless remains. He says:

"'There is another thing I would wish to state. All the men,
without any exception among the thousands that have come to
this hospital, have never in a single instance expressed a
regret (notwithstanding the privations and sufferings they
have endured) that they entered their country's service.
They have been the most loyal, devoted and earnest men. Even
on the last days of their lives they have said that all they
hoped for was just to live and enter the ranks again and
meet their foes. It is a most glorious record in reference
to the devotion of our men to their country. I do not think
their patriotism has ever been equalled in the history of
the world.'

"All of which is respectfully submitted.

"B. F. WADE, _Chairman._"

Also the following:

"OFFICE OF COMMISSARY-GENERAL OF PRISONERS,
WASHINGTON, D. C., May 3, 1864.

"SIR:--I have the honor to report that, pursuant to your
instructions of the 2nd instant, I proceeded, yesterday
morning, to Annapolis, with a view to see that the paroled
prisoners about to arrive there from Richmond were properly
received and cared for.

"The flag-of-truce boat 'New York,' under the charge of
Major Mulford, with thirty-two officers, three hundred