<This office has received no instruction Think those least needed at home ultimately will be left to Federal Boards, local & federal>

<Exemption>

THE CITIZENS' BANK
MOUNT OLIVE, N.C.

June 5th 1917

Hon. T. W. Bicket
Raleigh, North Carolina.

Dear Govenor;-

I suppose no one as yet knows the exact working of the selective draft, however feeling that you are in closer touch with it than most of us, I wish to ask your opinion as to its effect on business, especially as it applies to us. Our Assistant Cashier is of the proper age and has registered for service. So far as I know he is physically strong and has no dependents and claims no exemption. We have as little force as we can get along with and should he go we would be compelled to have an experianced man in his place immediately, which of course is hard to get. I therefore wish to ask if in a circumstance of this kind you think he will be taken away from his business. If he is to be, we will necessarily have to look out for help and taking it for granted that other institutions will fare likewise there will evidently be a shortage in men of this class. I will appreciate your frank opinion.

Very Sincerely Yours

H. M. Cox
President.