Confederate States. Head Quarters, Department of So. Ca., Ga. and Fla. Official Business. Legal-size cover with imprint, addressed to "Rear Admiral J. A. Dahlgren, Comdg. S. A. B. Squadron off Charleston Harbor. Per 'Flag of truce'", with original enclosure on matching letterhead datelined "Charleston S.C. October 13th 1864" signed by Confederate Lieutenant General W. J. Hardee, the letter discusses an exchange of prisoners held by Admiral Dahlgren, which General Hardee characterizes as "not regarded by me as proper subjects of exchange under the cartel", but he proposes an equivalent exchange for prisoners held in the C.S.A. who are "unfit for present duty", receipt docketing "Received 19 Oct by way of P. R. ferry", few small stains

VERY FINE. OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN CONFEDERATE AND UNION COMMANDERS EXCHANGED UNDER FLAG-OF-TRUCE ARE RARELY ENCOUNTERED OUTSIDE ARCHIVAL HOLDINGS.

William J. Hardee, known as "Old Reliable," was among the first Confederate officers given the rank of Lieutenant General. After the Battle of Jonesboro in Georgia, General Hardee requested a transfer and, in September 1864, assumed command of the Department of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, where he helped oppose Sherman's March to the Sea. This letter was written at that point in the war.

John A. B. Dahlgren headed the U.S. Navy's ordnance department during the Civil War and designed several different guns and cannons that gave the Union a tactical advantage. For these achievements, Dahlgren became known as the "father of American naval ordnance." He reached the rank of Rear Admiral.

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