I beg to thank you for your letter of November 23rd enclosing copy of letter of same date from yourself to the Attorney General, with reference to the Laughinghouse matter.

Originally, when this matter was submitted to me for consideration and I examined the files carefully, it was apparent that the law had been violated, in fact that was my opinion. For many reasons I was unwilling to undertake the prosecution of the case at this time without the direction of the Attorney General. I, therefore, forwarded to him my entire file and recommended that, for the time being at least, prosecution might be deferred. However, I received positive instructions to proceed with the prosecution and I cannot ignore such instructions. I have subpoened the witnesses to be at Raleigh on Friday of this week when I propose to submit the matter to the grand jury. There is nothing else I can do under the circumstances.