dear Sir:--I am requested by
Secretary Mallory to indite you a few lines soliciting your acceptance of a commission, commanding in the Confederate Navy of
America; your pay to go on from the late of secession of your native State, (
South Carolina.) Your high capabilities and qualifications as a seaman and navigator, and knowledge in angles, &c., &c., and associations of your honorable family, proclaim you to be a man of honor, consequently adhering to the great fundamental law of nature — home first, the cause of your own hearth-side before that of strangers.
But worse than all, these strangers have waged war against us, and you are abiding with them — thus endorsing their acts;
can you wantonly abandon your country, by forming an alliance with a Northern lady? * * * * Here you are offered rank, honor, station, and everlasting employ; whilst the cold-hearted Northerners will even refuse you, (employ.)
Answer in haste; and if you need funds to almost any amount, fail not to let me know.
I will have you supplied by Southern friends at
Portland.
In haste, yours truly,
