Lenoir County, NC - Military

File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by
Sloan Spence Mason <SloMas7@aol.com>

LETTER OF LEVI THOMAS/THORNE?

(please note, this letter is extremely hard to read)
Transcribed by Sloan Mason
Copied from the records of Heritage Place at LCC.
From the N.C. State Archives, Contributed by Wiley HILL.

Levi THOMAS?
Kinston, April 15, 1863

To His Excellency Governor VANCE,

Sir,
At the instance of several of my fellow townsmen, I was about to start this morning to 
have an interview with you, But as Mr. FRENCH is going to Raleigh, I write this note.
To day we were all filled with horror at the report that two men, the Messers. HAWKIT?/
HAWKS? Of Randolph Co., N.C. were perishing to death, by order of Commanding General.  

Last Friday these men were place under guard, and have not tasted bread or water since. 
Upon my informing Mr. J. C. WASHINGTON of the act he went to see Genl. RANSOM in regard 
to the matter. Genl. R. said that he acted under the order of Eril? HILL, that a physician 
went daily to see how far they could proceed in starving them without actually killing 
them. These men are Quakers, and are being treated in this manner in order to make them 
enter the Army or pay five hundred dollars.

The Citizens here think that if you knew these facts something would be done to collect 
the tax imposed without starving these men. One man is reported? By the guards as almost 
dead. The Citizens prompted by their humane feelings, and by their horror of starving 
their fellow Citizens by Authority, will readily make up the sum demanded of them if no 
other plan can be devised, by which a mouthful of bread and a glass of water can be 
conveyed to them. If anything can be done for the relief of these prisoners, allow me 
to suggest that great promptness is required.

A.B.? That you may know who I am refer to Dr. MARSTON?, Mr. T. E. SKINNER, Gen.? LEWIS & 
Mr. PESCUTE?

Signed Levi THORNE? THOMAS?

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