Richmond, VA., January
4, 1865.
Hon. C. G. Memminger,
Flat Rock, N.C.:
MY DEAR SIR: Your letter of November
21 was received, and I learn with concern the
unhappy conditions of western North
Carolina. Many of the evils mentioned by you were not unknown to me heretofore, but the confirmation
received from you of these evil pains me deeply, and the outrages and degradations enumerated call for means of repression.
The force of General Martin is the only
available one. It consists of troops under Colonel Palmer, Thomas’ Legion, and home militia. Thomas’ Legion, now
being recruited, it is hoped will be able to afford sufficient aid to disperse or capture the bands infesting that district.
Should circumstances allow the South Carolina Reserves will assist in the work. General Lee has given instructions to General Breckenridge to render all the aid he can, and it is possible that he may be able to spare
a detachment to act in concert with General Martin on the Tennessee side of
the mountains. General Lee will give the matter his further attention, and no means will be spared to afford protection to
the loyal people of western North Carolina.
Very truly, your friend,
JEFF’N DAVIS
O.R. 1, Volume 46, Part II, p. 1013.
Additional Reading:
Hellish
conditions in Western North Carolina: O.R.
Series IV, 2, 732 and O.R., 53, 324
