WAR DEPARTMENT
OFFICE OF THE PROVOST MARSHAL GENERAL
WASHINGTON

May 1, 1918.

FROM: Office of the Provost Marshal General.

TO: The Adjutant General of North Carolina.

SUBJECT: Alleged irregularities of J. J. Laughinghouse, Chairman, District Board, Pitt County North Carolina.

1. Kindly refer to your indorsement of January 26, 1918, with reference to the Pitt County Local Board. It had been reported by the Department of Justice that J. J. Laughinghouse, Chairman of the said board had been unfair in his classification of registrants and had used his office for political ends. In the indorsement referred to, you stated that the difficulty in Pitt County appeared to be largely due to the inefficiency of the then Government Appeal Agent and that the said Appeal Agent was being removed and a very competent person appointed in his stead.

2. I am transmitting herewith a further report of the Department of Justice showing irregularities on the part of Mr. Laughinghouse. Such irregularities appear to have occurred since your indorsement already referred to. Agent Phillips states that you have already been furnished with a copy of the attached report and that he has conferred with you in connection with this subject. The report prefers charges against Mr. Laughinghouse which should have the immediate attention of the Governor.

3. Will you present the subject to Governor Bickett and advise this office of his recommendations therein?

E. H. CROWDER,
Provost Marshal General.

By J. S. Easby-Smith
Lt. Colonel, N. A.,
Chief, Law & Classification Division.

JHH-gg
Encl.-3 Photos.

Enclosure: 1918, April 15. Phillips to Belaski.