I beg to acknowledge with thanks receipt of your favor enclosing affidavit from Mr. David Clark. I have received a similar affidavit from Judge Harding. Mr. Clark for some reason did not see proper to take the matter up directly with me. I suppose Mr. Clark understands that all criminal prosecutions must start either by warrant or presentment to the grand jury. I will subpoena the witnesses to go before the grand jury at next term of court and will then make an investigation in this matter.

When I found that there was some disorderly conduct in Concord in connection with the labor situation, I immediately went down and called together the labor leaders and had a conference with them and told them that they must hew to the line as laid down in your proclamation and that if there were any more acts of violence that I intended to take out a bench warrant for all parties engaged in provoking or encouraging such acts, before Judge Long. I also them them that if necessary I would call upon you to send troops and that I knew you would do it because I knew you intended to follow to the letter your proclamation. They thereupon informed me that much of the bitterness was caused by certain overseers in the mill, who were also showing some feeling. I then went to the mill owners and had a conference with them and told them exactly what I had told the other side, that there must be no unlawful acts on either side, and that the law would not tolerate any breach of the peace. Both sides then promised me that in the future there would be no more rioting and no more trouble and there was none after I left Concord. In fact I think my visit to Concord had a good effect on both sides and was in some small measure responsible for the amicable settlement arrived at within a few days thereafter.

It was a delicate situation and one that required both firmness and tact. I did not trouble you with the matter because I knew that you would advise me to proceed as I was doing and I felt that you were behind me and would give any assistance necessary. Capital and Labor must appreciate each other and when they understand and appreciate each other there will be no more trouble between them.

I hope you feel that you can call upon me any time to go any where and to assist you in any way possible in enforcing the law. I called to see you Monday when I was in Raleigh as I wanted to make a report to you about the Concord situation and regret that you was unable to see me owing to your duties with the University Trustees.