Dsen: Uch to E. D. TownsEnp, November 13, 1863

Col. E. D. TownsEnp, Assistant Adjutant-General, Washington, D. C.:

Sir: I have the honor to inform you, for the information of the War Department, that I have just returned from tho disaffected mining region of Hazelton and vicinity, having during the visit met and conversed with several of the coal operators and others interested in the affairs of that region. :

Some of the collieries were stopped last week for the avowed purpose of compelling the General Government to relieve the mining regions from the operations of the draft. However, the prompt arrival of troops, ordered by Major-General Sigel, restored matters to their previous status. The mines are in operation, but the loyal People there live in a state of terror, several Bratal murders having

een committed within a few weeks.

The operators whom I saw proposed this, that if they could be assured of the protection of the General Government until the work was accomplished, they would discharge the bad characters and employ new men, having eventually a body of men that could be controlled. It is supposed that it would take three months to carry out these desired reforms. If commenced, the troops must not be withdrawn until the work is thoroughly done, otherwise two-thirds of the anthracite region would stop sending coal to market.

I respectfully urge upon the Department to consider the propositions, and recommend that I be instructed.to give the guaranties asked for by the operators and proceed to the work with the troops under my command.

very respectfully, your obedient servant,