WAR DEPARTMENT, BUREAU OF CONSCRIPTION, December 18, 1864
Richmond, Va., December 18, 1864.
The PRESIDENT:
DEAR SiR: A very imperative necessity for a few daysâ attention to my private interests has induced me to ask a leave of absence, which Mr. Seddon has kindly granted. Your condition of health has deterred me from seeking an interview, which I desired for the purpose of asking your attention to a concerted effort now on foot, not to modify, but to abolish the whole system of conscription as it now exists, and, of course, to effect my removal from its control by operation of law. As to the latter I feel but little concern, for I can rely on your giving me such service as will be honorable to myself and to the extent of my ability, and beneficial to the country. You know the full extent of the little Iam able to do, and I am quite sure of your absolute confidence in my zeal. I do feel the most anxious solicitude in regard to the proposed changes in their bearing on the public service. I have seen a programme of them, which I was told had high military sanction. The system is one of mere military conscription, not adapted to the condition of the country, repulsive to public sentiment, inefficacious and certainly weakening, if not disastrous to the public defense. It will be resisted by States, communities, and individuals to an extent which will render it inoperative. But even if it be not thus resisted, it will fail because of its total want of adaptation to the duties prescribed for it. In legal administration military organizations and action never have the attributes either of celerity or efficiency. Executive strength is always best, based on the exercise of civil rule. Military power may hold laws in subjection; it cannot administer them, at least not under our system of civil polity. The present system of conscription, if allowed to be thoroughly organized and supplied with proper agencies, is not only the most efficient and active, but the strongest which ean be instituted for our purposes. It is active and energetic in principle, simple and orderly in structure, uniform and rapid in operation. Besides this, it contains the great element, now so necessary, of giving the administration of a civil law directly into the hands of executive agencies neither purely military nor judicial. It bears in its construction more real pervading executive power and responsibility than is held by the control of the armies of the Confederacy. You may not
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think this feature desirable. It is at this time unquestionably necessary.
I trust the present system will be adhered to and fully organized for all duties charged upon it. I am willing to be an agent in its administration, but if you think it can be improved in operation by the selection of others, I am sure you will neither do me nor the country the wrong of hesitating to find other service for me.
My desire is to serve the country under your dictation. To that I have devoted myself. I believe I can render good service in the line you have intrusted to me. I am sure the system in which I have been working is the best for the purposes of the country, and do earnestly hope it will be maintained, with only such modifications as will make it more rigorous in execution without affecting the principle on which it is based.
With high and cordial esteem, your friend and obedient servant, JNO. 8. PRESTON.