James A. Seddon to Thomas Sharp, March 12, 1864

Richmond, Va., March 12, 1864.

Hon. THOMAS BRAGG, Raleigh, N. C.:

Sir: In the Richmond Enquirer of this date you will find a publication of the orders relative to the writ of habeas corpus.* The Department requests that you will undertake the office of chief commissioner for the fulfillment of the duties imposed by the writ and the orders for the State of North Carolina. You will be at liberty to detail from the class of men between forty-five and fifty competent assistants, who, while on that duty, will be relieved from other duty. Congress failed to make an appropriation for executing the duties imposed by this act upon the Department, but that omission can be supplied at the next session. You will keep an accurate account of the expenses and return it previously to the Ist of May next.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

Secretary of War.
RICHMOND, March 12, 1864.
Mr. THOMAS SHARP,
Richmond, Va.:
Str: You will proceed without delay to Nassau and thence to Nova
Scotia for the purpose of purchasing and forwarding to some Confederate port via Nassau the machinery and material described in the
inclosed memorandum, to be used in the manufacture of army shoes.