May
Nineteenth
1920

Mr. A. H. Nixon,
Box 379,
Statesville, N.C.

Dear Sir:

Replying to your letters of recent date, in regard to your appointment as Notary Public, I regret to advise that upon investigation we find that your recommendations filed with the Governor do not justify him, under the rules governing appointment of notaries public, in directing the clerk of the court of Iredell County to qualify you for this office. By direction of the Governor, therefore, your commission has today been cancelled, and I am returning your check, which you sent to cover fee, with this letter. Please do not understand by this that you are being discriminated against because of your race. We have appointed several negroes as notaries public. If you will get the recommendations of two of the county officers of your County, or of the postmaster of your town, or of two leading citizens of Statesville who are personally known to the Governor, your commission will be re-issued and the clerk of the court will be requested to qualify you. Whenever a question is raised as to an applicant's qualifications, whether he is white or colored, the Governor invariably requires him to submit the very highest recommendations. In view of the clerk of the court's attitude the Governor can take no other course in your case.

Very truly yours,

[unsigned]

Private Secretary.

M-T