TH. H. Holmes to Tneutenant- General, April 29, 1864

Raleigh, April 29, 1864.

General 8. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General’s Office:

GENERAL: After a full conference with Colonel Mallett, commandant of conscripts, and on examination of the reports of his enrolling officers in different parts of the State, Iam pained to report that there is much disaffection in many of the counties, which, emboldened by the absence of troops, is being organized in some places to resist enrolling officers and persecute and prey upon the loyal and true citizens. At present my orders do not authorize me to act, as the reserve force is as yet without organization. I therefore respectfully suggest that my powers be extended so as to enable me to use any troops that may be available for the suppression of this insurrectionary spirit; and further, that in organizing the reserve force that I be authorized to separate the two classes, and as far as I may find necessary call the junior class (7. e., from seventeen to eighteen) into immediate service. This will take but little from the agricultural interest, and that little will be more than counterbalanced by the quiet and confidence incident to the security it will give to those that remain. An early answer is respectfully requested.

very respectfully, your obedient servant,

Tneutenant- General.
[First indorsement. ]
ADJUTANT AND INSPECTOR GENERAL’S OFFICE,
May 3, 1864.
Respectfully submitted to the Secretary of War.
Hoe CLAY,
Assistant Adjutant-General.