James A. Seddon to Eugenius A. Nisbet, March 18, 1864

Hon. EUGENIUS A. NISBET, Macon, Ga.:

Sir: I inclose you a copy of the act of Congress for the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus, and the orders of this Department for the execution of the writ.* The second section of the act requires the selection of proper officers for the investigation of the cases of all persons who may be arrested or detained, and for the discharge of such as are improperly detained. The Department has selected you for the oversight and direction of the whole subject in the State of Georgia, except the cases immediately arising in the army of General Joseph E. Johnston. A person has been selected to attend to that army.

You will be authorized to detail from the men between forty-five and fifty years such assistants as you may require. The duties to be performed will sufficiently appear from the act itself and from the orders already issued. A copy of this letter will be sent to the various military commanders, and you will be entitled to transportation upon application to the quartermaster.

*See General Orders, No. 31, p. 208. 15 R R—SERIES IV, VOL III

Congress failed to make an appropriation to carry into effect the act, and the Department cannot at this time specify the rate of compensation; but an application will be made to Congress in May next, and it is hoped that it will be settled on a satisfactory basis. Meanwhile you are requested to keep an accurate account of the expenses and forward them to the Department before the 1st of May.

The Department is aware of the delicate nature of the duties to be performed, and the importance in the present condition of the country of exactness and circumspection in the administration of the power confided by the act the Department devolves upon you in the State of Georgia under a sense of the responsibility that rests upon you.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,