R. E. Lee, November 14, 1864

Petersburg, November 14, 1864.

Secretary of War, Richmond, Va.:

Sir: Brig. Gen. J. G. Martin, who has been on duty at Salisbury for some days, informs me fyom the inquiries he made he thinks 2,000

* October 81, p. 748,

CONFEDERATE AUTHORITIES. 823

or 3,000 foreigners now held there as prisoners of war could be enlisted in our service. He also states that authority for this purpose: has been given to several persons by the War Department, and that, the company officers are to be elected by the members of the company. If they are taken from among themselves I fear they may be neither effective nor reliable. How would it answer to organize these men into the Regular Army, with officers appointed by the President, and the whole under one good officer? The men could then be placed in camp, instructed, and disciplined. By the spring they would make a valuable addition to the Army. General Martin thinks that by proper management this force could be increased to 7,000 or 8,000. The subject is respectfully referred to you for consideration.

With great respect, your obedient servant,

General.