[First indorsement.]

APRIL 15, 1864.

Respectfully submitted to the President for his consideration.

I cannot recommend compliance with Governor's request, as I doubt much the wisdom of such apparent yielding to disaffection.

J. A. SEDDON,

Secretary.

[Second indorsement.]

To General Bragg for remarks.

J. D.

[Third indorsement.]

APRIL 19, 1864.

My experience in East Tennessee satisfied me of the correctness of the honorable Secretary's view. More harm than good has resulted from relaxation.

BRAXTON BRAGG,

General.

[Fourth indorsement.]

Returned to the Secretary of War, concurring in his view, and with the remark that the organization of the reserves will, it is hoped, when brought into unity of action with the active army, give defense, and, without interfering with agricultural pursuits, add security.

J. D.

[35.]

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, Raleigh, April 19, 1864.

Hon. J. A. SEDDON:

DEAR SIR: If is is possible, let me beg you to send one regiment, at least, of regular troops to Colonel Palmer, in Western North Carolina. I inclose you a letter from Brigadier-General McElroy, of the North Carolina militia, which I beg you to read. The condition of that country is truly deplorable, and if the militia could be depended on, starvation must ensue by wholesale if they are kept from their crops in a country where there are no slaves. Time will not suffice to tell you of all the horrors to which they are exposed. I beg you to relieve them, and quickly, by sending some troops there.

Very truly, yours,

Z. B. VANCE.

[First indorsement.]

Respectfully submitted to the President for his consideration.

I am at a loss whence to draw troops for this service. When the local reserves are organized, they may, in part, be employed in this district.

J. A. SEDDON,

Secretary.

[Second indorsement.]

General BRAGG:

Have not the companies of Thomas' legion been sent to the section referred to?

J. D.