Unknown to James A. Seddon, September 29, 1864

Hon. JAMES A. SEDDON, Secretary of War:

Sir: The idea may or may not have been presented to you of employing negroes in the Army as soldiers in this way: Promise them (those employed) freedom when the war is over. Compensate the owners, of course, by interest-bearing bonds. All the able-bodied men might be used certainly as effectively as the Yankees use them against us. Let the negroes fight negroes and he will show much more courage than when opposed to white men. Confront them with Yankee negroes and place bayonets behind them.

The institution of slavery would still be maintained by the retention of boys, women, and exempted or detailed men (negroes), the lives of our fellow-citizens to some extent preserved, and provisions sufficient still produced by this efficient portion of our society. My name would add nothing. I hope your practical mind will adopt the suggestion, though anonymous. Our bleeding country requires a quick and stringent remedy. Don’t stop for forms.

Very respectfully, &c.,