Relief For Our Prisoners

v ashington, Jan. 2t. The following has been issued by tho War Department; Tliis Department recognizes as its ürst duty, the taking of nicasures for the relief of the brave men who, baving i in perrilled their livcs io the military service of the governmciit, are now prisoners and captives. It is therefore ordered that two commissioners be appointed to visit the city of RicLmond, Va., and wherever else prisciierá beloDging to the anny of t lio United State3 niay be held, and then take such xneasures as uuiy bo needed to promote tlie wants, and contributa to tho comfort of such prisoiicrs, at the expense of the Uuiied States, to such exU-nt as may be pennitted by the autliorities under vrhoui such prisoners are held. (Signed) B. ML STANTON, Secretary of War.