Head Quarters Department of South Carolina[,] Georgia and Florida
Charleston SC
Nov 17th 1864
Colonel
The Lieut Genl [Lieutenant General] directs that you report to these Head Quarters the name of every officer or man who escapes from your custody, also that you notify the Federal officers that they must give their parole not to attempt to escape, or else they will be confined in a pen in the same manner as the privates now are.
Very respectfully[,]
Your Obdt Sevt [Your Obedient Servant,]
R. C. Gilchrist A.A.A.G.[Acting Assistant Adjutant General]
To Lt Col [Lieutenant Colonel] Means
Comdg [Commanding,] Federal Prisoners
Columbia SC