Excerpt transcribed from "Asks That Brigade Be Kept Together," News and Observer (Raleigh), 2 July 1916.

[circa 2 July 1916]

In his letter to Senator Simmons, Governor Craig says,

"We earnestly hope that the War Department will not break up the North Carolina Brigade by sending the separate regiments to different places. The soldiers would be much better satisfied if they were kept together, and I believe that they will do much better service, for if the whole brigade be kept together they will all feel that they represent the State and will be enthused by a State pride and interest that they would not feel if the brigade were broken up.

"General Laurence W. Young has been appointed Brigadier General. He is a favorite with all the officers of the brigade, and with all the troops. Since the Spanish war he has engaged in civil occupations enough to make a living, but during that time his life has really been devoted to military duties, and he has made himself a most accomplished soldier. I believe that it would be hard to find a man that was better informed on military tactics, and better equipped as to military affairs than General Young. He has attended all the meetings of the Guard in various parts of the United States, has fought sham battles, has studied the military art, and informed and equipped himself thoroughly.

"I believe that all the officers of the brigade have signed a request that the brigade be not broken up, and that General Young be retained as the brigadier general. There will be great dissatisfaction if this is not done.

"If there is any doubt about the situation, and if I can do anything toward retaining the unity of our brigade, I would like to go to Washington on Monday to see the President if I can, and the Secretary of War.

"I hope that on receipt of this you will wire me at my expense whether to come or not.

"I see that New York is making the same contention that North Carolina is, and it may be that the War Department has decided not to break up the brigades. It would certainly, in my opinion, be a mistake in North Carolina. If the War Department has decided not to break up the brigade there is, of course, no necessity for my going to Washington. Please let me hear from you on Saturday.

"There never was a set of young men that were more enthusiastic and more determined to make a record that would be an honor to the State than are the members of the National Guard of this State. They are anxious and ready to go to the front, and it is really hard to keep them home until the orders come. Please exercise your great influence in seeing that they are kept together. We will all appreciate it. If I can help you to a feather's weight I will do it, and am ready to go at any minute."