O.R.--SERIES IV--VOLUME III [S# 129]

APPENDIX.

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HEADQUARTERS JACKSON HOSPITAL,
February 14, 1865.

    Lieut. Gen. R. S. EWELL:

    DEAR SIR: For my own gratification, as well as those who are taking great interest in the important question, with regard to the using of the slaves of the Confederacy as an assisting element to us in defending our homes, firesides, and country from those who would destroy us, I would respectfully say that this morning I caused the hired male slaves at this hospital to be convened, and after asking them the deliberate question, if they would be willing to take up arms to protect their masters' families, homes, and their own from an attacking foe, sixty out of seventy-two responded they would volunteer to go to the trenches and fight the enemy to the bitter end.

    Very respectfully, your most obedient servant,

F. W. HANCOCK,

Surgeon in charge.

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