Siler & Barber
Lawyers
SILER CITY, N. C.

August 2nd 1917.

His Excellency, Hon. T. W. Bickett,
Governor of North Carolina,
Raleigh, North Carolina.,

Dear Sir:--

Certain parties in this county are reported to be soliciting funds from men drafted, using the argument that the draft law is unconstitutional, and proposing to employ counsel to test it etc., and are using language that is calculated to arouse the ignorant against the Government. Each day we hear of this going on in different sections, and greatly fear that we are going to have a serious situation in certain sections unless something can be done to stop it.

In one Township we learn that an effort is being make to precent any man whose name has been drawn among the first to be exaimned to appear, and various other things are being done that may give us trouble.

On yesterday, we wrote the District Attorney in regard to this matter, but have deemed it wise to call it to your attention, and to ask that you co-operate with us in an effort to have the Department of Justice send some representatives to Chatham to take the matter in hand. If we can now secure the arrest of a few men, we believe it will strike terror to the disloyal element and that further trouble may be avoided.

Any thing you will do or suggest in this connection will be most heartily appreciated.

Yours very truly.,

Leon T. Lane
Sheriff of Chatham

Walter D. Siler
Solicitor of the 4th Dist.