B7, P 7/1/1863

Confederate States of America
War Department
Richmond, Va. July 1, 1863
 
His Excellency Z. B. Vance
Governor of North Carolina
Raleigh, N. C.
 
Sir,
   Some short time since, an application was made to me by Col. Gilmer, of the Engineer Bureau, representing the slow progress made for want of labor to the construction of the Piedmont Railroad, and urging the issue of an order to the Enrolling Officers of North Carolina to impress fifty per cent of the able-bodied free negroes between 18 and 45, to be sent to Greensboro to work on that road. At the same time the impression was conveyed to me, that the measure was your suggestion and would meet with your approbation. I was very reluctant to call out so large a proportion of the free negroes as fifty per cent, as recommended by Col. Gilmer, but on conference with him, he satisfied me that the needs of the road would demand that proportion. The recommendation was also made, that these negroes could be more readily collected by the Enrolling Officers, who are generally distributed throughout the State, and the plan was accordingly sanctioned. I have learned today with some surprise and regret, from an endorsement made by your Adjutant General upon a paper sent to Col. Mallett, that you regard as unwarranted any enrolment of free negroes without your previous order. I am not aware of the provisions of any law, either Confederate or State, which make special provision in such a case, but I certainly recognize the propriety of your concurrence and previous assent to the action which was proposed to be taken. As therefore I have acted under an erroneous impression in regard to your concurrence, I have now the honor to submit to you an application for your cooperation, or if you prefer, your own order and action to obtain the free negro laborers required. I take pleasure in assuring you there was no purpose or thought of infringing on your authority or jurisdiction in the matter; but the use of the Enrolling Officers in different parts of the State will, as you will readily perceive, aid in accomplishing the end, and if desired by you, their services will be placed at your disposition.
With esteem
Respectfully yours
James A. Seddon
Secretary of War

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