I thank you for your letter in regard to the Sheriff of Davidson county. So far as I am advised no such complaint was made against the Sheriff, but the record showed a large number of delinquents and deserters in Davidson county.

Of course military headquarters here knew nothing of the delays due to the advice of the Deputy Marshal and the United States District Attorney. It simply appeared that nothing was being done, and your letter is proof of this but makes an entirely satisfactory explanation of the inactivity of the Sheriff. I am writing the Sheriff a letter today congratulating him upon his present activity, and I trust that he will follow the lines advocated by me in my Ashe county speech and that all the delinquents and deserters in Davidson county will come in as it will be infinitely better for them.