sir: Your letter of the twentieth inst., is received.
I am opposed to the whole system of impressment, and endeavor to put a stop to it as far as I am able, and prefer relying on the patriotism and zeal of our citizens.
Officers of the army say that it is sometimes absolutely necessary to resort to it, in cases of great emergency.
I shall forward your letter to
General Huger, commanding the department embracing the counties enumerated in your letter, and request him to prevent impressment from being resorted to, except in cases of necessity, and also to take precautions against any undue interference with the agricultural operations of the people.
I hope you will do all in your power to encourage the production of subsistence by the farmers, the importance of which cannot be over-estimated.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
