CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA, WAR DEPARTMENT, July 19, 1864

Richmond, Va., July 19, 1864.

General HOWELL Coss, Macon, Ga.:

Overseers for whom $500 have been paid the Government are not strictly exempts, as the last law does not embrace them. Those having fifteen hands who have bonded are exempts. Those with less than fifteen, though bonded, are strictly detailed men. For the first and second class we have strictly no right to interpose. For the third, as legally they are in Confederate service, we have; but I leave the matter to your discretion.

J. A. SEDDON, Secretary of War.