James A. Seddon to W. N. H. Smirh, September 14, 1864

Hon. W. N. H. SmIrH, Murfreesborough, N. C.:

Sir: I have received your letter calling attention to the mischievous and demoralizing effects of the traffic in cotton initiated by the Commissary Bureau and carried on across and beyond the Chowan River. In reply I have the honor to say that the Department cannot concur in thinking the evils as stated by you as resulting to the extent supposed from the trade established by the Commissary-General, and its results have really been so satisfactory in affording supplies that I am not, without further developments and inquiries, prepared to prohibit its continuance.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,