Th: Watts to James A. Seddon, January 19, 1864

Hon. JAMES A. SEDDON, Secretary of War:

Sir: I have seen Maj. J. J. Walker, acting commissary of subsistence for the State, and he has explained in a satisfactory manner what his agents in the different counties of the State are doing, and the object of the census of property being taken. While these complaints of the illegal conduct of agents were being made, a little explanation by sensible officers would have avoided all the difficulty. The impressment of private property is always odious and ought to be avoided whenever possible. It is a better policy for the Government to pay double price than to make impressments. If we fail to achieve our independence in this contest the failure will arise from breaking down the spirits of the people by acts of tyranny by our own officers. The impressment of property only aggravates the price and creates opposition to the Government and our cause. The practical operation of the impressment system has been disastrous.

So far as Major Walker himself is concerned, I should never fear anything from his acts that was wrong. He isa man of fine common sense and of high character, and he takes pains to perform the most onerous duties in such a manner as to retain the good will of all with whom he has to do, but many of the impressing officers care neither for God nor man.

The object of this letter was simply to say that Major Walker’s explanation was entirely satisfactory.

Very respectfully,