J. A. Seddon to James A. Seddon, January 26, 1864

Hon. JAMES A. SEDDON, Secretary of War, Richmond, Va.:

My Deak Sir: I have just received your dispatch refusing my application to organize troops for the war from the members of the State Guard. I took the liberty of responding by telegraph and beg to address you again on the subject. I have no earthly interest in the question save as it affects the public interest. I beg you, therefore, to bear with me. What I say is based upon my personal experience and knowledge. I have opportunities of knowing the feeling on this subject which you have not at Richmond, and though my earnest counsel may not be heeded, pardon, I beg of you, one more intrusion upon your time. I regard this decision as disastrous in its consequences. In Georgia it will make a difference of more than 2,000 men in the Army, and the same will likewise occur in other States. Iam not sure that we have not lost that number already, even if the authority should now be granted. Besides, you are putting into your old organizations an element which will produce the worst state of feeling through the ranks, and fill your Army with strife, jealousy, and heartburning. I am sure you do not appreciate the character of the men who have employed substitutes; whilst there are many who were seeking to avoid duty (and these will dodge you by leaving the country and other ways) there were large numbers who were as brave and patriotic as any who went into service.

Let me mention one class of cases, by no means unusual, where there were several members of a family, all willing to go, but agreed among themselves that one should remain to attend to the business of all. Those who went have fallen in battle or linger in hospitals. Another class, whose large business demanded their attention at home, and who have contributed largely, liberally, and profusely to the support of the Army and soldiers’ families by selling their produce at the lowest prices, and so on, and so on. I tell you that the wholesale denunciation of men who employed substitutes is wrong and unjust. I fully agree that the law ought to be repealed, and these men ought now to be brought into the service, but I do insist, not only on their own accounts, but for the good of the service, they ought not to be forced into the ranks of the old organizations. In the case of the Georgia State Guard, all the men promptly responded to the call of the Governor, and have made as good and uncomplaining soldiers as any in the field. I seriously fear the consequences of this policy in Georgia. The very men who were eager and enthusiastic to form themselves into new companies for the war are now arranging to test the question before the courts, and will resort to every method to defeat what they regard as a harsh and unjust rule upon them.

They dread the jeers and sneers which they must encounter from the Army more than they do the bullets of the Yankees, and their pride revolts at the idea of being forced into the ranks under men their inferiors in every respect, save in the length of service and experience in the field.

Whether you respect this feeling or not, the question cannot be avoided, of the effect upon the strength and efficiency of the Army. You not only want soldiers, but you want them cheerful, content, and satisfied. It may even now be too late, but still better now than not at all.

Your friend,

Respectfully submitted to the President for his consideration.