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Hillsboro Oct 31, 1863 |
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| His Ex Z B Vance |
| Gov of NCarolina |
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| Dear Sir, |
| I hasten to correct an error
in your letter of the 15th inst. to the Hon James A. Seddon Secty of War
published in the Standard of the 27th inst with the correspondence
relative to the riots in the City of Raleigh in September last. You say
"in my letter to the President I said that Genl Benning remarked to Col.
Whitford Transportation Agent here some hours previous to the mob that
he should not be surprised if his men did tear down the Standard office
as he had heard it threatened." Doubtless you derived this information
from some one as there were many reports circulating in the streets of
the City, the day after the outbreak, of the complicity of Genl. Benning
and other officers of his command, but you are mistaken in supposing it
was from me. Not a word was said to me on the subject by Genl Benning or
any other officer or soldier of his Brigade either before or after the
outrage was perpetrated. If I had had the slightest intimation from any
source that such an act was contemplated for some hours, or for any time
previous to its occurrence and not have made it known to you, or have
taken some steps to ??? suppressing it, I would justly deserve the
censure of all good and law abiding citizens of the State for whatever
our opinion may be as to the course of individuals whether right or
wrong we all must know that unless we uphold and sustain the laws of the
country we can have no security for personal liberty, property or even
existence. Perhaps, if I could see you I could call to your recollection
several incidents that would convince you that Genl Bening could not
have made the Statement ascribed to him, to me; but I deem it useless to
pursue this matter farther as I know you are more anxious to do justice
to Genl Benning and his officers than you are to condemn them. |
| I am Sir with |
| great regard |
| John D. Whitford |
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