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. Genera Lee has given instructions to General Breckinridge 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, O.R., 53, 324 and O.R., Series I, Vol. 32, pt. II, pp. 610-611

President Jefferson Davis Papers (Rice University)

 

Notes:

 

Confederate President Jefferson Davis married Thomas's cousin, Sarah Knox Taylor, the daughter of United States President Zachary Taylor. Zachary Taylor is cousin to Cherokee Chief William Holland Thomas.