CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA, WAR DEPARTMENT, August 22, 1864

Richmond, Va., August 22, 1864.

Maj. C. BOYLE, Provost-Marshal, Gordonsville, Va.:

Sir: Mr. J. M. F. Fant, of Culpeper, reports that you have caused to be detained at Gordonsville some twenty boxes of tobacco and require my permit before allowing it to be carried to Culpeper County. You are requested to state on what special authority the transportation of goods to Culpeper and Fauquier Counties, while not within the lines of the enemy, nor in any part occupied by them, is prohibited. Ido not see that the Department or any of its officers has the right to stop the passage of articles of merchandise from one county of the State to another.

Respectfully, JAMES A. SEDDON, Secretary of War.