The Greensborough Patriot

July 31, 1862

Page 3

From the Raleigh Standard.

Quakers – The Conscription.

The following correspondence, furnished us for publication by Hon. W. T. Dortch, will explain itself. It will be seen that the War Department has no objection to assigning Quakers who are conscripts to such duties in the service as will not require them to shed blood or deprive their fellowmen of life: --

GOLDSBORO, July 23, 1862.

Dear Sir: -- A short time since, I addressed a note to the Secretary of War, asking if persons belonging to the Society of Friends liable to conscription, could be assigned to duty in Hospitals, camps, &c., and received the enclosed letter in reply, which you will please publish for the benefit of those interested.

Yours, &c., Wm. T. Dortch.

W. W. Holden, Esq.,

Raleigh, N. C.

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CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA, }

War Department. }

Richmond, July 19, 1862. }

Hon. W. T. Dortch.

Goldsboro, N. C.

Sir: -- Your letter of the 14^th inst., has been received. In reply you are respectfully informed that the Department has no objection to assign men belonging to the Society of Friends enrolled in North Carolina, to such duty as is not repugnant to their belief; but it cannot make a General Order to that effect. The Department will have to act on individual cases.

Respectfully,

GEO. W. RANDOLPH

Sec. Of War.