Sept. 5th, 1918.

Capt. T. B. McCargo,
Raleigh, N.C.

Dear Sir:

Some days ago we entrained Luther Chavis, a Cherokee Indian, and he was sent to Camp Wadsworth, S.C. He is in Company C. 422 Labor Reserve Bat. I have a telegram from him stating that he is being classed as a negro, and owing to the short time he is expected to be in camp before going over-seas, he is afraid his racial status will not be established and he will continue to be classed as a negro.

As I have heretofore explained to you, in reference to other members of this race, it is particularly obnoxious to them to be forced to associate with the negroes in any manner, and I regard it as a matter of importance that the matter be given prompt attention by the Provost Marshall General’s office. These people are loyal and are entering the camp in fine spirit, and a continuation of the practice that now prevails at Camp Wadsworth will break the spirit of the people at home, as well as the soldiers themselves. There are twelve thousand of them in this county, and I urge that you have them separated from the negroes at the earliest possible moment. You will remember that I forwarded you a telegram from nine of them, making a like complaint, on last Monday.

Very truly yours,

T. L. Johnson
Chairman.

TLJ/d

Enclosed in: 1918, Sept. 5. Johnson to Bickett.