John S. Ford to Edmund P. Turner, July 22, 1863

Capt. EDMUND P. TURNER, Assistant Adjutant-General:

Sir: Mention has been made in communications from the commandant of conscripts to the commanding general of the necessity for armed men to assist in the enforcement of the conscript law. This necessity is becoming daily and hourly more apparent. In the counties north of this, bodies of men are assembling, armed and equipped, to resist the enrolling officers.

These squads are increasing’ daily in strength by deserters, both from the army and from conscription, in the lower counties, and, if unnoticed, will eventually become formidable. A small force of mounted men could soon scatter them or bring them to terms, if not permitted to recruit too long.

In view of these facts, and the threatening aspect of affairs along the Mississippi, which precludes the idea of taking men from the field for this service, it is respectfully suggested that the commandant of conscripts be authorized to raise—including, as well as persons subject to duty, minors, old men, and those exempted from various causes—a sufficient number of men, not to exceed three companies, to insure tie arrest and dispersion of the aforesaid renegades and the euforcement of the law, and to act as a police to preserve order and protect public property in this city.

If the above suggestion meets the approval of the commanding general, the details will be immediately submitted for his inspection.

I respectfully refer you to the accompanying communication of His Excellency Governor Lubbock.

I have the honor to be, sir, yours, respectfully.