Executive Department to James A. Seddon, March 22, 1864

Hon. JAMES A. SEDDON, Secretary of War:

Sir: I have received your letter of March 14 desiring [me] to act as commissioner under the recent act of Congress for the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus in the military department commanded by Major-General Maury, and also desiring me to give counsel to the commander of conscripts and the enrolling officers in cases that may arise in which the interposition of that writ may be claimed.

I have communicated your letter to General Maury, and notified him that I will be ready to act as called upon. To-day I have received in the Richmond Enquirer a copy of the general orders upon the above-named act of Congress, and now report that my services will be rendered to the best of my ability as they may be required.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,