James A. Seddon to W.N. Estelle, March 30, 1864

Richmond, Va., March 30, 1864.

W.N. ESTELLE, Esq., Mobile, Ala.:

Sir: You will find herewith inclosed the orders relative to the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus with the act on that subject.*

The Department desires that you will undertake the charge of commissioner for carrying into effect the act and orders under it in the State of Mississippi. The orders sufficiently express the duties you have to perform. You are also requested to afford 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.

You are authorized to detail one or more assistants from the class between forty-five and fifty, or to designate some gentlemen above that age to aid youif the duties become too onerous for your personal attention.

Congress failed to make an appropriation to carry into effect this act, but will doubtless do so at its next meeting in May. You will keep an accurate account of the expenses and send it to this Department previous to the meeting of Congress. A reasonable and proper compensation will be allowed to you for the duties you may be required to perform.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

Secretary of War.
(Same to J. M. Forbes, Saltville, Va., appointed commissioner for
State of Virginia, and to Alexander R. Boteler, Richmond, Va.)