<Deserters>

February 1st, 1919.

Hon. Newton D. Baker,
Secretary of War,
Washington, D.C.

My dear Mr. Baker:-

I enclose you copies of a letter just received from Mr. J. W. Winborne, one addressed to the Adjutant General of this State, and one to myself. These letters disclose a policy that, in my humble opinion, is a tragic blunder on the part of the War Department and a horrible injustice to every patriotic man in North Carolina who responded to the call to the colors. This office, the office of Capt. McCargo, who is Special Aide to the Governor in the administration of the Draft Law and the office of the Adjutant General, are constantly receiving letters of this kind. I do not know what reply to make, and I would be glad for you to advise me to the end that I may give out to the press and let the people know just what these wilful deserters are to expect at the hands of the Government.

As I have written you before, I exerted myself to the utmost to get every delinquent and deserter to respond or return to his duty up until the day the armistice was signed. Thousands of them responded, and many thousands of them stayed in camp because of the representations that were made that this Government would never cease its efforts until every wilful deserter had been run down and brought to justice. The people are utterly unable to understand why honest, courageous and patriotic men who went to camp and did their full duty are still held, while deserters are constantly coming back with new clothes and full pay.

I deem it my duty to you to bring your attention to these matters, and I sincerely trust that you will at once promulgate the most stringent orders in regard to these deserters and take steps to have every man of them run down and properly punished. My own opinion is that they ought to be put to building international highways. There are enough of them to construct a great system of military highways from sea to sea.

Respectfully yours,

[unsigned]

B_G