February 5th, 1918.

Mr. J. A. Floyd,
Fairmont, N.C.

My dear Sir:-

I thank you for yours of February 2nd. I want to express to you my very profound appreciation of the patriotic spirit that pervades your entire letter. In your attitude to the Government you are setting a fine example.

Under the regulations the Governor is without authority to suggest what action the local and district boards should take upon any particular case. These matters have to be investigated by the boards upon the facts before them.

The Local Board properly put you in Class 1 as it had no jurisdiction to grant a deferred classification on industrial grounds.

The proper step for you to take is to appeal to the District Board for a deferred classification upon the ground set forth in your letter. This board would then carefully consider your case and if it reaches the conclusion that you are essential to the production of food and feed crops for the maintenance of the army and the people at home it will put you in Class 3 or 4. I may add that it is within the province of the Local Board to endorse upon your appeal which must be made through the Local Board, its recommendation as to whether or not the District Board should grant a deferred classification on industrial grounds.

With much respect, I beg to remain,

Very truly yours,

[unsigned]