John S. Preston to C. B. Duffield, January 19, 1864

No. 3. Richmond, Va., January 19, 1864.

In view of the great increase of special applications for exemption and the facilities with which signatures are obtained, it has become necessary to prescribe regulations for proceeding in such cases to prevent the allowance of exemption in cases specially presented and supported by many signers, with some show of testimony, but without real merit. The officers of conscription will therefore be governed by the following instructions: z

J. Every application should be sworn to by the applicant and verified by the affidavits of at least two respectable citizens who are personally acquainted with the facts testified to by them.

I. I. Applications so verified should be carefully, particularly, and vigilantly investigated by the local enrolling officers, and a report of the facts, with their opinion in approval or disapproval, forwarded through the proper official channel, with the application, to the commandant.

III. The investigation should not be confined to an examination of the papers alone, or into the truth of the statements therein made, but should be directed with a view of ascertaining all the facts and circumstances of the case, and the exact condition of the parties with relation thereto, that an intelligent opinion on its merits may be formed. For this purpose inquiries should be instituted of persons unconnected with the application. The report should be somewhat in detail, setting forth seriatim the facts developed in the investigation, giving briefly the reasons for the opinion expressed, and instead of being put in the form of an indorsement will be made on a separate sheet of paper.

I. V. In expressing his own opinion of approval the commandant will state whether he recommends permanent or temporary exemption; and if temporary, for what length of time.

V. No application will be considered unless investigated in accordance with these instructions.

By command of Col. John S. Preston, superintendent: