Gvi 120t *l 
 
 Duke University Libraries 
 
 D03209802O 
 
REPORT OF ROBERT OULD. 
 
 Richmond, Va., April 13th, 1863. 
 Hon. Jas, a. Seddon, Secretary of War : 
 
 Sir: In the matter of the resolution of the House cff Representa- 
 tives relating to Dr. Jos. E. Dixon, I have the honor to make the 
 following report : 
 
 His c.ise ^vas brought specially to the attention of the Federal 
 agent of exchange moic than two months ngo, an<l just as soon as the 
 fact of his confinement came to my knowledge. The agent piomised 
 to enquire into the matter and effect his release. At a subsequent 
 interview the agent stated that Surgeon Dixon was charged as being 
 a spy, and h.id been and was held as such ; that after his unconditional 
 release he was found at a place within Federal lines, not in the lino 
 of his proper route, and under circumstances calculated to excite sus- 
 picion. I represented to him the true state of the case, and I believe 
 satisfied him that the suspicion was unjust. I was enabled to do this 
 very fully from the information kindly furnished to. me some time ago, 
 by the Hon. Geo. W, Jones, Representative from Tennessee. I gave 
 the Federal agent a memorandum explaining the whole matter, which 
 he promised to use in the doctor's behalf. Since then no communica- 
 tion has passed between us relating to the subject. I have but little 
 doubt, however, that the doctor will shortly be returned to his friends. 
 Respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 RO. OULD, 
 Agent of ^cfiange. 
 
MESSAGE OF THE rriESIDENT. 
 
 Richmond, Va., April 18, 1863. 
 
 To the House of Reprrsfntatives : 
 
 I herewith transmit a communication from the Sccret;iry of War, 
 in respcnsjc to your rcsoluiioti of the 4th instant, relative to the case 
 of Surgeon J. JbT. Dixon, a prisoner at Johnj-on's i>l:in<l. 
 
 JEFFERSON DAVIS. 
 
 COMMUNICATION FROM THE SECRETARY OF WAR. 
 
 Confederate States of America, \ 
 
 War Department, > 
 
 Richmond, Va., April 14, 1SC5. ) 
 
 His Excellency, the Pre?;ident : 
 
 Sir : In response to a resolution of the House of Represcntatiyes, 
 passed on the 4th instant, I have the honor to submit a report from 
 Robert Ould, Es(j., agent of exchange, relative to the case of Surgeon 
 J. E. Dixon, a pri.><oner at Johni^n's island. 
 
 Very respectfully, your ohcdient servant, 
 
 JAMES A. SEDDON. 
 
 Secretary of War. 
 
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