Unknown to James A. Seddon, March 5, 1864
Secretary of War:
DEAR SIR: In obedience to your instructions I returned home after the adjournment of Congress and proceeded at once to encourage the raising and organization of volunteer companies, battalions, and regiments, to be composed of persons between seventeen and eighteen and forty-five and fifty years of age, under the late military bill for State defense, &c. I wrote Governor Brown, asking his co-operation, and inclose herewith an exact copy of his reply, from which it appears that the question of the propriety of the proposed organization of this class of troops will be submitted to the Legislature, soon to assemble in extra session. In my efforts to get volunteers I find the young men disposed to come promptly forward, but the men over forty-five, with few exceptions, refuse to volunteer, giving as a reason that it will be time enough to do so when ealled out
by order of the President. In view of this state of affairs I beg to suggest that it would
allowing a limited time within which to volunteer, and upon failure
to do so to be enrolled. I have about twenty companies in process of
organization, and hope to be able to send you before the expiration
Please send me such instructions as may be necessary, and if deemed
advisable submit this letter and inclosure to the President.
With sentiments of highest esteem,