May 22nd, 1918.

The Local Exemption Board Halifax Co.,
Weldon, N.C.

Gentlemen:-

My attention has been called to the case of Dr. Dennis F. Keel of Scotland Neck. I am profoundly impressed that some way ought to be found to keep the Scotland Neck community and the territory adjacent thereto from suffering on account of the only dentist in their midst being drafted. I think the most liberal construction should be placed upon all rules and regulations to accomplish this end. I am considering the community exclusively and not the registrant.

Messrs. Paul and Arrington Kitchin and myself have just had an interview with the Chairman of the Eastern District Board, and he says that the only way that the services of this dentist can be retained for the benefit of this community is for the Local Board, under the advice of its physician, to classify the dentist for limited service on physical grounds. I myself am not a physician but am the son of one, and I do not hesitate one minute to say that a man of the height and weight of Dr. Keel cannot be used for general purposes as a soldier, and I think that the Board would be acting with judgment and discretion and well within the spirit of the law to make this classification for limited service.

I understand, of course, that Dr. Keel himself does not desire to be exempted, and has a very natural objection to being given a deferred classification on physical grounds, but I do not think that the Doctor’s natural aversion to a classification of this kind ought to keep the Board from taking the action that is plainly for the good foth of the services and of the community in which the Doctor lives.

I am writing you this in the hope that this situation may be worked out along the lines suggested in this letter.

Very truly yours,

Governor.

B-G