a junior officer - are all calculated to impair the confidence of the troops in me as a commander.

As no officer in the service has been so severely dealt with, the natural and unavoidable inference must be that the subject of such treatment has been found wanting either in mental capacity or in soldierly qualities. In this great struggle for independence, I waive all considerations of wounded sensibility as an officer and a man, and would cheerfully serve in any capacity in which I could be useful; but the usefulness of an officer is essentially dependent upon the confidence felt in him by his men, and in my case this must be impaired, if not destroyed, by the facts above alluded to. It is reasonable to suppose that the soldiers will view with distrust one who has been treated as no other Confederate officer has been. Unless, then, the assignment to duty be accompanied by an unequivocal expression of undiminished confidence in my capacity, gallantry, and fidelity, I can accept no position that may be tendered. As I could not be useful without such an expression, the acceptance of a position would be the sacrifice of the interests of the country for the sake of a command, and every principle of patriotism [in] me to do it. I will repair forthwith, to Charleston and await your reply.*

With great respect,

D. H. HILL,

Major-General.

[33 and 35.]

DAVIDSON COLLEGE, February 24, 1864.

General S. COOPER

I will repair at once to Charleston and there await, before entering on duty, the clear record promised me. The command is otherwise impracticable.

Very respectfully,

D. H. HILL,

Major-General.

[33 and 35.]

QUALLATOWN, N. C., February 28, 1864.

To the GOVERNOR AND COUNCIL OF SOUTH CAROLINA:

SIRS: At the commencement of the present wat I urged the Carolinas to make preparations for defending the passes in the Smoky Mountains for their common protection, and to aid as far as I could in keeping back the Northern vandals, by the express permission of President Davis, I raised a legion of Indians and highlanders. Last fall when East Tennessee was unfortunately surrendered to the enemy I, with the Indians, was ordered to fall back on the Smoky Mountain to check the progress of the enemy. Until recently this was the principal force that we have had to accomplish this object, except a few troops at Asheville. Georgia watches the Hiwassee Pass in Cherokee County and prevents the advance of the enemy in that direction beyond Cherokee County, N. C. This leaves the pass up French Broad and the one up the Tennessee River to be defended by the joint efforts of the Carolinas. If the enemy could advance through either of those passes it would be difficult, if not impossible, for the people of the Carolinas to defend themselves. The enemy for a time did not extend their raids beyond the Smoky Mountain, except in Cherokee County,

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*See VOL. XLII, Part III, p.1165.

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