Governor Sharkey tells me that he has applied to President Johnson for
authority to raise the militia, and that he would inform me of any
decision he may receive from Washington; in the mean time I consider it
my duty to take action as communicated in my letter, and respectfully
request the approval of the major general commanding department. Very
respectfully, your obedient servant,
P. JOS. OSTERHAUS,
_Major General Volunteers_.
Captain J. WARREN MILLER, _A.A. General, Department of Mississippi_.
Official copy:
W.A. GORDON,
_A.A. General_.
EXECUTIVE OFFICE, _Jackson, Miss., August_ 19, 1865.
Information having reached me that parties of bad men have banded
together in different parts of the State for the purpose of robbing and
plundering, and for violating the law in various ways, and that outrages
of various kinds are being perpetrated, and the military authorities of
the United States being insufficient to protect the people throughout the
entire State, I do therefore call upon the people, and especially on such
as are liable to perform military duty, and are familiar with military
discipline, to organize volunteer companies in each county in the State,
if practicable, at least one company of cavalry and one of infantry, as
speedily as possible, for the detection of criminals, the prevention of
crime, and the preservation of good order. And I urge upon these
companies, when formed, that they will be vigilant in the discharge of
these duties.
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