Head Quarters 40th Regt Ky Militia

Hickman Ky. February 23. 1864.

Major Genl. D. W Lindsey
Inspector General of Kentucky
General.

The removal of the commercial restrictions so far as regards Kentucky and the consequent importation of goods and such articles as are of immediate and pressing necessity to the people, produced the very natural apprehension, that when the fact became known in the back county, the temptation to make a raid upon the city, on the part of the marauders who have infested this section of the country, would be too great to be resisted. Taking advantage of this general sentiment; I at once proceeded to raise a Volunteer company of citizens and procured pistols and shot-guns with which they were and are armed. There is of course no organization, but with general accord, they readily act under my command. Upon two several nights the danger was alarmingly threatening. but the volunteers were on duty and prepared to give these lawless men, a warm reception. Whether it was owing to the fact, that we were prepared for them or not. I cannot say, but certain it is, they did not make their appearance. Still these men are about, and I am satisfied, that scarcely a day passes, that some of them are not in town. As we have no legal proof against them, however strong our moral convictions may be, we can do nothing with them by any arrest under the civil process.

To organize this company of say thirty-two men (which is the

number we have,) or more, as a constituent part of the State Guard, will be impossible, under the General law. unless the same can be qualified by a General or Special Order, by which they can be assured, that they will not be called to do duty in any other part of the State. Can this be done? If it can, I feel pretty confident, that a company can be raised say from 30 to 60 men. The men who would thus go into it, are all resident citizens and mostly heads of families, who feel that they cannot leave their homes, without making greater sacrifices than they can well bear.

If any arrangement can be made or assurances given to the end desired, whereby they will be retained here, there will be no difficulty. For this reason, I feel it my duty to bring the matter before you, for your consideration and at the same time, in solicitation of your advice.

There is such a total want of knowledge in Military affairs existing here, that I am compelled to depend alone upon my own imperfect and rusty attainments in this respect, having no one upon whose judgment I can rely. The citizens however readily acquiesce in whatever I suggest except that they wholly neglect to elect any company officers in the Regiment. To effect this, is, I am sorry to say,) utterly impossible. It may be the result of a want of confidence in any person to command them either as Captains or Subalterns. If so, they are not to be blamed, as there is hardly a single man, that I would trust to lead me.

I shall be under obligations if you can make it convenient to let me hear from you, on the subject of this letter at as early a day as practicable. An organization somewhat more perfect that the rude one, we now have, ought to be effected, and a special

appointment of the Commander of the Company or other officer to take command of this County, ought to be made by His Excellency.

If I consent to receive it, I can have the command of the Company when organized, by an election.

With great respect
Your Obt Servt.

G. C. Hallet
Col Commanding
40^th Ky Militia.

Hickman Ky
Feby 20^th 1864

Asks assurance that if Co of S. Gds are raised for the defense of his County they will not be compelled to do duty in any other part of the State

Ans assurance given Feby 26/64
see Letter book A. p 150