Hon. Franklin K. Lane, Secretary of the Interior, has requested me to appoint a committee of three citizens of North Carolina to represent the State in conference, to be held with his Department and with the committee on Reclamation Service in dealing with the subject of providing lands for homes for returning soldiers. I hereby appoint you a member of that committee, and sincerely trust that you will see fit to serve. The other members of the committee are Capt. Geo. T. Leach of Washington, N.C., and Mr. J. R. Page of Aberdeen. I am taking the liberty of naming Mr. Smith as Chairman of the committee, and will be glad for you gentlemen to have a meeting in Wilmington at an early date, and call into consultation with you Mr. Hugh MacRae of Wilmington, who has made a very profound study of this situation.

I regret to say that there are no funds available for paying your expenses. You will be doing a labor of love and patriotism. Please advise me of your acceptance of this appointment to the end that I may notify Secretary Lane.

I suggest that you also consult with Mr. J. A. Bonsteel of the Soil Survey Department of the Federal Government. Mr. MacRae can tell you much about him.