Enclosed is copy of a letter I have written to D. H. Hill, Chairman of the Council of Defense.

We still have about eleven deserters in this County. I have interviewed their friends and the indications are that they are all about ready to come in and surrender. The only thing standing in the way seems to be that they want assurances that they will not be punished, at least not severely.

If you find it consistent with your duties and can write a letter to me recommending leniency, I think I will be able to get all these boys to come in. They are all young, ignorant, most of them can’t read and write, I am sorry to say, and they have been misled. They have all been out since about December. It is practically impossible to catch them during the summer time and the only chance is to get them to come in voluntarily.

Let me have as strong a letter from you recommending leniency as you can afford to write.

Mrs. Cowan joins me in kindest regards to you and Mrs. Bickett.