War Department
LOCAL BOARD, JACKSON COUNTY.
Sylva, North Carolina.

March 30, 1918.

Hon. Chas. A. Webb,
Asheville, N.C.

Dear sir:-

Replying to your letter of March 25th relative to deserters in Jackson County, I beg to say that I have furnished an authentic list of these deserters to Sheriff Cole of Jackson County, by registered mail and have his return receipt therefor. I have likewise furnished such a list to the Sheriff of Swain County, and have return receipt therefor, likewise the Sheriff of Macon County and likewise to your deputy Charles Roane.

I fear very much from your letter that you do not comprehend the seriousness of the situation. There are now twelve of these deserters, eleven of whom are in one section known as the Barker’s Creek section of Jackson County. Some of these men are dangerous men and we are informed that they are well armed and supplied with amminition. In the main, we are informed that they stay together and resolved that they will be killed before they are taken. These men have for their headquarters as we are informed, a place along and near the dividing line between the counties of Macon, Swain and Jackson. I heard of them a few miles on the Macon County side about three days ago. They were then passed in the main road by a stranger. He reports their suspicious action and states that they were all heavily armed. It would be a shame to let these men go at large as such deserters, violating the law and committing depredations upon the country, but if they are ever arrested, it will take a concerted effort, and I hope that you will feel it your duty to use your force of deputies to this end. I understand, of course, that they are not sufficient, but the sheriff of Jackson County and his deputies are willing to join you, and I am quite sure that the efficient sheriff of Swain and his deputies would be willing to join, and that the sheriff and deputies of Macon would be willing to add their services. These deserters are sometimes in Jackson, sometimes in Macon, and sometimes in Swain as we are informed.

This is not all of the situation. About six men in that community, have after repeated notices failed and refused to appear for physical examination, and if not already with this bunch of men they will join them as soon as posted as deserters. Under instructions, we have delayed posting them as deserters. Hoping that the officials would have them arrested and out of the way and then the apprehension of those who have failed and refused to appear for physical examination would be an easier matter, or they would then come in and be examined. The citizens from that community inform me that the situation is becoming intolerable and that every day’s delay makes the situation more serious.

We feel and all the good citizens in this community feel that there should be a hearty and unhesitating action on the part of the officer, sheriffs and marshals. Nothing less will meet the situation. It is the opinion of well advised men that as to the main bunch of these deserters that there is no use of less than fifteen or twenty thoroughly armed men going after them. It is true that a few of them might be taken by surprise and picked up, but in the main we are informed they stay together all the time.

Trusting to hear from you promptly, we are

Yours truly,

(Sig.) COLEMAN C. COWAN
Chairman.

Enclosed in: 1918, April 1. Webb to Bickett.